Thane: Communal tension marred Ganesh idol immersion procession in Bhiwandi in Maharashtra’s Thane district on Tuesday night after a clash broke out between members of two communities. Stone pelting was also reported during the procession, prompting police to use force and resort to lathi-charge to bring the situation under control.
According to police, a group of people pelted stones at the procession when it was passing through Vanjar Patti Naka, damaging the Ganesh idol. This led to a scuffle between the two groups in which several people suffered injuries. After receiving information about the clash, a police team reached the spot and resorted to lathi charge to disperse the crowd. BJP MLA Mahesh Chaugule also reached the spot with his supporters and tried to calm the situation.
Many detained, case filed
Joint Commissioner of Police, Thane, Dnyaneshwar Chavan said that some people have been taken into custody and a case has been registered in the matter. “A case has been registered in the matter and some people have been detained for questioning. Following investigation, arrest will be made. Whoever is found guilty will be punished,” the senior police officer said. Meanwhile, heavy police force has been deployed in the area to avoid further escalation of tension.
Similar clash in Buldhana
Similar communal clash was also reported during Ganesh idol immersion procession in Jalgaon Jamod in Buldhana district of the state. Some youth allegedly pelted stones at the procession, leaving several people, including women, injured. Following the stone pelting, the Hindu side said that Ganesh idol immersion will not be done until the accused are arrested and action is taken. Local MLA Sanjay Kute reached the incident spot and demanded action against the accused. He said that atrocities on Hindu society will not be tolerated. Following the clashes, there is a tense atmosphere in Jalgaon Jamod and a large number of police officials have been deployed in the area.