Riots Erupt in Surat City After Teenagers Damage Ganesh Idol, 27 Detained
Image Source: The Indian Express
Surat, Gujarat: A day after the Ganesh Chaturthi festival began, Surat city witnessed riots in the old walled city areas after four teenagers allegedly pelted stones, damaging a Ganesh idol and injuring a man. The incident led to people pelting stones and setting parked vehicles on fire near the Saiyedpura police station, where a huge mob gathered, chanting slogans to demand the arrest of the accused.
According to police officials, the four teenagers were passing by the Variyavi Bazaar Ganesh pandal in an autorickshaw around 9 pm when they allegedly pelted stones, damaging the idol and injuring a man standing in the pandal. A large number of people quickly gathered, and talks were ongoing between two groups to “maintain peace” in the neighborhood, which has a considerable Muslim population.
The injured youth was rushed to the hospital and is reported to be in stable condition. The pandal organizers and others reached the Saiyedpura police station, where Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut deployed a large police force to control the situation.
However, stone-pelting resumed near the station, and unknown persons torched cars and vehicles. Deputy Commissioner Vijaysinh Gurjar incurred minor injuries. The mob eventually dispersed after officials assured them of the arrests of the accused, all of whom were reportedly apprehended based on CCTV footage and by combing the neighborhood.
Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi, Surat North BJP MLA Kanti Balar, Surat Mayor Daxesh Mavani, and Surat Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut reached the station and the pandal on Sunday night to assure the mob of “justice.” Sanghavi said that nobody would be spared and that the perpetrators would be caught and dealt with strictly.
“Before the first rays of the sun, the accused will be apprehended, and even those who are behind the scenes instigating the teenagers will not be spared, and they will be dealt with strictly,” Sanghavi said in a video that went viral on social media.
Police apprehended the four accused teenagers and detained around 27 persons allegedly involved in the stone-pelting. Lalgate police registered an offense of damage at the Ganesh pandal and rioting at the police chowki area.
Surat Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut said, “The situation is under control, and we are appealing to citizens to maintain peace and communal harmony in the area.”
The incident has raised concerns about communal tensions in the region, and authorities are working to maintain law and order.
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- News Writer
- Iram Aijaz is a student of Mass Communication at Aligarh Muslim University, one of India's renowned institutions. Having already completed her master's in History, she is now pursuing a second master's in Mass Communication, driven by a strong interest in writing about current issues. Iram is eager to apply for internships to sharpen her skills and gain valuable experience as she prepares for a career in this field.
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