Communal tension in Bhiwandi amid Ganpati visarjan procession, 3 FIRs lodged

Dnyaneshwar Chavan, Joint Commissioner of Police, Thane, said the traditional Bhiwandi Ganpati immersion procession had begun near the Hindustani Mosque.

However, the situation escalated after members of the procession started talking about someone throwing a stone at the idol around 12.30 am. This led to a dispute and altercations among some individuals, which caused a commotion, he added.

The Ganesh mandal members gathered at Vanjar Patti Naka, and gradually more people joined them from other nearby Ganesh mandals, and started shouting slogans. Later, people from other communities also started gathering at the place.

The Ganesh mandal refused to proceed with the procession and demanded the arrest of those who pelted stones at the Ganesh idol. As arguments and clashes occurred between the two groups, the police resorted to a lathi charge and dispersed the crowd, Chavan said in a press briefing on Wednesday.

The police have detained some people, including some “notorious elements” who were part of the Visarjan procession, and are in the process of filing cases and making arrests, said officers.

Zonal DCP Dr Shrikant Paropkari said, “We have registered three FIRs in connection with the series of communal incidents that took place during the ganpati procession on Tuesday night. These cases have been registered against unidentified people on charges of hurting religious feelings and rioting. One policeman has sustained injuries in the incident. The situation is under control. We have detained two suspects and the investigation is on. Process of identifying those involved in violence is on and action will be taken against them.”

Officers added they have deployed additional forces, including local Crime Branch officers, to ensure no untoward incidents occur during the processions on the occasion of Eid-e-Milad Wednesday.

“Citizens are requested to maintain peace and harmony in the area. Do not believe in rumours,” Chavan said.