Surat: Stone-Pelting at Ganesh Pandal, 28 Rioters Detained

Surat: In a swift action, the Gujarat government has taken stern measures against rioters who indulged in stone-pelting at a Ganesh pandal in the Sayyedpura area of Surat on Sunday night. The police have detained 28 rioters, including six minors, and launched a bulldozer action against encroachments in the area.

The incident occurred when some miscreants pelted stones at the Ganesh pandal in the Meghwadi Colony of Sayyedpura, leading to a clash between the two communities. The police intervened and brought the situation under control. However, the rioters continued to pelt stones, prompting the police to use tear gas shells and lathicharge to disperse the crowd.

The police commissioner, Anupamsinh Gehlot, said that six minors and their fathers have been detained in connection with the stone-pelting incident. He added that the minors were used to create unrest and an investigation is underway to identify the mastermind behind the conspiracy.

The state government has also taken action against the encroachers in the area, with the municipal corporation launching a bulldozer action against illegal constructions. The district collector has been directed to provide information about the properties of the accused, and further action is likely in the coming days.

In a related incident, two Ganesh idols were vandalized in Vadodara, and the police have arrested a suspect, Krinal Godadiya, who is reportedly mentally unstable. The suspect had stolen Rs 25 from the pandal and vandalized the idols.

The state government has appealed to the people to maintain peace and harmony during the Ganesh festival. Deputy Chief Minister, Harsh Sanghvi, said that those who try to disrupt peace and harmony in Gujarat will not be spared. He added that the stone-pelters are not only guilty of breaking the law but also of harming society.

The police have also warned that strict action will be taken against those who try to disrupt peace during the Eid and Ganesh immersion festivals on September 16 and 17.