New Delhi: Protests erupted in Gujarats Surat after reports emerged of stone pelting targeting a Ganesh pandal on Sunday evening. The disturbance occurred in the Sayedpura area, prompting a swift response from local authorities. Police officials confirmed that six individuals directly involved in the stone-pelting, along with 27 others who incited the violence, have been apprehended. Gujarats Home Minister, Harsh Sanghvi, provided this update, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.Lathi charge, tear gas used to disperse unruly crowdIn response to the escalating tensions, approximately 1,000 police officers were deployed to the area to restore and maintain order. According to Surat Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot, the incident unfolded when a group of children threw stones at a Ganesh pandal, sparking a clash. Promptly, police intervened and removed the children from the scene. To restore order, police personnel were swiftly deployed across the area, employing lathi charges and tear gas as necessary. The authorities are currently arresting all individuals involved in the disturbance, with approximately 1,000 police personnel stationed throughout the region to maintain peace.Gehlot also detailed the proactive steps taken to control the situation, including the use of force where necessary and the strategic deployment of officers throughout the region.Take a look at the video:#Surat: 27 Muslim men arrested and 6 minors detained on charges of stone pelting on Ganesh Pandal in Syedpur area of Surat, Gujarat.Police entered houses and beat men at night and arrested them creating unrest in the society.Protest was erupted late on Sunday night after… pic.twitter.com/JrKOOqLSk3— Saba Khan (@ItsKhan_Saba) September 9, 2024#WATCH | Gujarat: Surat Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot says, Some children pelted stones at a Ganesh pandal after which a clash broke out. The police immediately took away those children from there...Police were immediately deployed in the area. Lathi charge was done in… pic.twitter.com/h3eNyVmIRX— ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2024Gujarat Home Minister visits site of incidentGujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi, who visited the site of the incident, assured the public that stringent actions would be taken against those responsible. “In the Sayedpura area of Surat, today 6 people pelted stone on the Ganesh Pandal…All these 6 people were arrested and the police have also arrested the other 27 people who were involved in encouraging such incident…The investigation is underway…police are deployed in all the areas of Surat…Those who will breach the peace, action will be taken against them,” Sanghvi affirmed.#WATCH | Surat: Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi says, In the Sayedpura area of Surat, today 6 people pelted stone on the Ganesh Pandal...All these 6 people were arrested and the police have also arrested the other 27 people who were involved in encouraging such… https://t.co/eajyY1ngWy pic.twitter.com/dgPNib18pV— ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2024Similar incident in Madhya PradeshIn a related development, a similar incident occurred in Madhya Pradeshs Ratlam district on Saturday. During a procession carrying an idol of Lord Ganesh, participants were targeted by stone pelters in the Mochipura area. According to PTI, Superintendent of Police Rahul Kumar Lodha reported that nearly 500 people gathered outside the Station Road police station that night, demanding action against the perpetrator. This prompted the deployment of heavy security to safeguard key locations throughout the city.Police have filed a case against the unidentified individuals responsible for the attack on the Ganesh procession.
