Tensions escalate in Surat after stone-pelting at Ganesh Pandal, 33 detained by Police
- In Reports
- 12:38 PM, Sep 09, 2024
- Myind Staff
Tensions flared in Gujarat’s Surat district after an incident of stone-pelting at a Ganesh pandal in the early hours of Monday. The event, which took place in the Sayedpura area of the city, caused significant unrest among the local population.
The stone-pelting incident involved several minors, which led to widespread anger in the community. In response, thousands of residents gathered outside a local police station, demanding swift and decisive action against those responsible. The situation grew increasingly volatile as crowds swelled, forcing the authorities to take swift action to maintain order.
Upon receiving an alert about the unrest, a large police force was immediately deployed to the area to control the situation. Officers used lathi charges and tear gas to disperse the agitated crowd and prevent further escalation.
Surat Police Commissioner Anupam Gehlot, addressing the media, confirmed the sequence of events. "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 deployed in the area. Lathi charge was done in all the areas where it was needed, and tear gas was used," Gehlot explained. He further added, "All the accused who were involved in the peace disturbance are being arrested. There are around 1,000 police personnel deployed all around. And the public is also here."
At approximately 2:30 a.m., Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi and local BJP MLA Kanti Balar visited the site. They met with locals in an attempt to calm tensions and assured residents that those responsible for the incident would be brought to justice.
Sanghavi later provided an update on police actions. "As I promised, we have caught the stone-pelters before sunrise! 6:30 am #Surat Update: 27 stone-pelters arrested. CCTV, video visuals, drone visuals, and other technical surveillance work is still ongoing. Strict action will be taken against all accused," Sanghavi posted on X. According to him, six minors involved in the stone-pelting were detained, while 27 others accused of encouraging the attack were arrested.
The police are continuing to scan CCTV footage and use technical surveillance to identify and apprehend any remaining suspects as authorities work to restore peace in the area.
Image source: PTI
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