New Delhi: Communal tension flared in Bhiwandi late Tuesday night after stones were thrown at a Ganesh idol during an immersion procession near the Hindustani Mosque. It caused a commotion and disrupted the procession.
Provoked by the incident, the Ganesh Mandal refused to proceed with the procession and demanded the arrest of those responsible. In a bid to bring the situation under control, the police resorted to a lathi charge, resulting in several injuries.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Additional Commissioner of Police Dnyaneshwar Chavan explained that the Ganpati immersion procession near the Hindustani Mosque had started peacefully and was proceeding smoothly. However, tension escalated after a stone was thrown, sparking disputes and altercations among some individuals, which led to chaos.
Bhiwandi is an industrial township adjoining Mumbai with many types of industries operating there. It also has a significant population of migrant factory workers.
“The situation is now under control, and those involved in the disturbances are being identified for legal action. Some individuals have been detained for questioning, and further actions will follow,” he added.
Stones thrown at Ganpati idol during visarjan procession in Maharashtra’s Bhiwandi, police lathi charge, many arrested.
The incident happened at nearly 12 am last night.#Maharashtra #GanpatiVisarjan pic.twitter.com/FJdgnpckMc
— Vani Mehrotra (@vani_mehrotra) September 18, 2024