33 Arrested for Stone-Pelting at Ganesh Pandal in Surat, Security Tightened

Surat: 33 people were arrested for pelting stones at a Ganesh pandal in Surat's Sayyedpura area, Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi announced on Monday. The incident sparked communal tension, leading to a clash in the area following which heavy force was deployed to manage the situation.

Children Involved in Stone Pelting

Police is probing the involvement of children in the stone pelting incident. "In the Sayyedpura area of Surat, six people pelted stones at the Ganesh pandal. All of them have been arrested, along with 27 others who encouraged the incident. The investigation is ongoing, and police have been deployed across the city to maintain peace," Sanghvi told news agency ANI.

Communal Tension in Surat 

Thousands of devotees, who had gathered for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, later assembled outside the local police station, demanding justice and arrest of the stone pelters. The police had to resort to using tear gas to control the agitated crowd.

Surat Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot confirmed the details, stating that the situation escalated after some children were involved in the stone-pelting incident, which led to the clash. "The police intervened swiftly, taking the children into custody. Lathi charges and tear gas were used where necessary to control the crowd. Around 1,000 police personnel have been deployed to ensure order is restored," Gehlot said.

Investigations are underway and authorities have assured that strict action will be taken against anyone found disturbing the peace. The city remains under close watch to prevent further unrest.

(With Inputs from ANI)