Mumbai: Heavy police deployed after clash during Ganesh procession
What's the story
Heavy police security was deployed in Mumbai's Mazgaon area after a clash broke out between two groups during a Ganesh idol procession on Sunday night. The incident occurred when eggs were allegedly thrown at the procession, leading to heightened tensions in the area. Police personnel were quickly deployed to prevent any further escalation and maintain law and order.
Arrest demands
Police action demanded within 24 hours
The Akhil Public Festival Committee President Hitesh Jadhav condemned the incident and demanded immediate action against those responsible.
"The incident that took place here today is condemnable," Jadhav said, adding that they have requested police action within 24 hours.
Maharashtra's Minister for Cultural Affairs Ashish Shelar has assured them that complete action will be taken on this within 24 hours.
Past occurrences
Similar incident in 2022
The Mazgaon incident is similar to a case in Kamathipura, Nagpada, in August 2022 when eggs were thrown at a Ganesh idol procession.
The accused was arrested and booked under Sections 153A and 295A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Section 153A deals with promoting enmity between groups on religious grounds while Section 295A pertains to deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings.
Festival preparations
Preparations for Ganesh Utsav underway
The incident comes ahead of this year's Ganesh Utsav in Maharashtra, which starts on September 14.
Mumbai has around 10,600 public Ganesh mandals with about 2,500 getting permission for the festival.
Across Maharashtra, around 28 lakh Ganesh idols are expected to be installed during the celebrations.
Prominent mandals have planned elaborate themes including a replica of Ayodhya's Ram Temple and superhero-inspired decorations.