Gujarat: Stone-Pelting At Ganesh Pandal In Surat Triggers Communal Tensions; 27 Arrested

Stone Pelting At Ganesh Pandal: Tension flared in Gujarat's Surat district on Monday over stone pelting of a Ganesh pandal allegedly by some minors in the early hours of the morning. The incident happened in Sayedpura area of the city. After this incident, thousands of locals started a dharna outside the local police station demanding action against the accused.

Thereafter, the police, upon being informed, sent its force to the site where the incident occurred and tried to bring the situation under control. Lathi charge was also done, and even tear gas was used to handle the angry crowd.

Surat Police Commissioner Launched A Probe

Surat Police Commissioner Anupam Gehlot said, "Some children threw stones at a Ganesh pandal, after which a clash broke out. We quickly took the children out of the area and deployed police immediately. We used lathi charges and tear gas wherever it was required. We are arresting everyone involved in causing the disturbance. About 1,000 police officers are stationed in the area and the public is also there.

Around 2:30 am, Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and local BJP MLA Kanti Balar, reached the site to interact with locals and pacify them.

27 Have Been Arrested Till Now

Sanghavi said that police detained six minors suspected of throwing stones at Ganesh pandal. Apart from this, the police arrested 27 others who allegedly abetted the stone-throwing.

Sanghavi also stated that the police went through CCTV footage and arrested more suspects accordingly.

Sanghavi shared on X, "As promised, we caught the stone-throwers before sunrise! Here's the update at 6:30 am: 27 people have been arrested. Further investigation is being done based on CCTV, video, and drone footage for identification of more suspects. We will take strict action against all. Our teams worked all night to identify and bring the stone-throwers to book. Jai Ganesh!!

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