Mumbai: Heavy police security was deployed in Mumbai’s Mazgaon area after a clash broke out between two groups during a procession organised for bringing a Ganesh idol on Sunday night.
The situation became tense after Ganesh festival organisers alleged that eggs were hurled at their procession while the idol was being brought into the area, triggering an escalation between the groups.
Following the incident, police personnel were deployed in large numbers across Mazgaon to prevent any further escalation and ensure that the situation remained under control. Security was strengthened in the area as authorities worked to maintain law and order and prevent the clash from leading to further tension.
The incident occurred during a procession held in connection with Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. The allegations of eggs being thrown at the procession led to anger among those participating in the event, following which the situation reportedly turned tense.
Reacting to the incident, Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane launched a sharp attack on those allegedly involved and questioned claims of communal harmony.
“In Mazgaon, during the rally that was being held on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, they have shown their true colours. This is why we call them ‘green snakes’; it was proved once again yesterday. Those who talk about Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb, brotherhood and communal harmony — where have they disappeared now? Where are they hiding? They should explain,” Rane said.
He further questioned whether Hindus should be able to celebrate their religious festivals without disruption, comparing the situation with celebrations during Eid.
“The same rules that are imposed during Eid, when all Eid celebrations are conducted peacefully — do Hindus in this Hindu nation not have the right to celebrate their festivals? Can anyone point to a single incident where Hindus caused any trouble during an Eid celebration?” he added.
BJP MLA Ram Kadam also condemned the alleged incident and said that throwing eggs at a religious procession would amount to an act by anti-social elements.
Speaking to IANS, Kadam said, “If someone is throwing eggs at a procession welcoming Lord Ganesha, it is naturally the act of anti-social elements. The police are investigating the building and its towers. Whoever is found responsible will not be spared.”
He also appealed to people to respect the religious beliefs and sentiments of others, adding, “We also want to warn that no individual has the right to hurt the faith and religious sentiments of any community.”
Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC termed the incident unfortunate and said that the government would take the matter seriously.
Speaking to IANS, Shaina NC said, “It is very, very unfortunate… The government is going to take this very sternly, and any miscreants, irrespective of who they are or who they are propagated by, must be brought to task.”
She also reiterated the importance of maintaining communal harmony and peaceful coexistence, saying, “Having said that, we have always believed in unity and diversity.”
BJP national spokesperson R.P. Singh also expressed hope that the authorities would take stringent action against those responsible for the alleged disruption during the Ganesh procession.
Speaking to IANS, Singh said, “We are hopeful that the government will take strict action against the miscreants who did this.”
Police have increased their presence in the Mazgaon area following the clash and are taking steps to prevent any further disturbance.
(IANS)
