Early Monday morning, tensions surged in Surat’s Sayedpura area after a group of minors threw stones at a Ganesh pandal, sparking a violent reaction from the local community. The disturbance led to thousands of residents converging on a local police station, demanding swift action against the perpetrators.
According to Surat Police Commissioner Anupam Gehlot, “Some children pelted stones at a Ganesh pandal after which a clash broke out. The police immediately took away those children from there… Police were immediately deployed in the area. Lathi charge was done in all the areas where it was needed and tear gas was used… All the accused who were involved in the peace disturbance are being arrested. There are around 1,000 police personnel deployed all around. And the public is also here…” (ANI)
In response to the escalating situation, heavy police forces were dispatched to the scene. Officers used lathi charges and tear gas to disperse the angry crowd and restore order. Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi and local BJP MLA Kanti Balar arrived at the site around 2:30 am to address the locals and help ease the tensions.
Minister Sanghavi reported that six minors involved in the stone-pelting were detained, along with 27 other individuals who were allegedly inciting the violence. “As I promised, we have caught the stone-pelters before sunrise! 6:30 am #Surat Update Here are the details: 27 stone-pelters arrested, CCTV, video visuals, drone visuals, and other technical surveillance work is still ongoing. Strict action will be taken against all accused. Our teams have worked whole night & yet to identify the stone-pelters and bring them to justice. Jai Ganesh!!” Sanghavi posted on X.
Authorities are continuing their investigation, analyzing CCTV and drone footage to identify and apprehend additional suspects. The deployment of approximately 1,000 police personnel remains in effect as efforts to maintain peace and prevent further unrest continue.
