Maharashtra: Tensions Erupt In Bhiwandi Over Stone Pelting During Ganpati Idol Visarjan

Bhiwandi in Maharashtra’s Thane district witnessed communal unrest on Tuesday (17 September) after an alleged incident of stone-pelting on a Ganesh idol during the immersion procession on Anant Chaturdashi.

In response, the police resorted to a mild lathi charge to control the escalating situation and detained several suspects.

According to Thane joint commissioner of Police Dnyaneshwar Chavan, the Ganesh immersion procession in Bhiwandi had begun near the Hindustani Mosque.

Tensions rose after members of the procession started talking about someone throwing a stone at the Ganesh idol at around 12.30 am, leading to disputes and altercations.

Members of the Ganesh mandal assembled at Vanjar Patti Naka, with others from nearby mandals joining in, and started shouting slogans.

Later, people from other communities also started gathering at the place.

The Ganesh mandal refused to proceed with the procession and demanded the arrest of those who pelted stones at the Ganesh idol.

As arguments and clashes occurred between the two groups, the police resorted to a lathi charge and dispersed the crowd, Chavan said in a press briefing on Wednesday, Indian Express reported.

The police have arrested several individuals and are in the process of filing cases and making arrests.

Extra police forces, along with local Crime Branch officers, have been deployed to prevent any untoward incidents during Wednesday’s Eid-e-Milad celebrations.

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