Damage to Ganesh statue triggers clashes and stone-throwing in Surat, police officers injured; 32 arrested

After several minors were arrested in connection with the incident that took place in Saiyedpura town late Sunday evening, a mob of about 300 people gathered outside the Lalgate police station to protest against the action against members of their community.

Two groups pelted each other with stones, injuring several policemen and damaging a police vehicle, Surat Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut told reporters.

Police used batons and fired tear gas grenades to disperse the mob, he said.

So far, 32 people have been arrested and two separate FIRs have been filed in connection with these incidents, officials said.

Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi and senior police officials visited the accident site and promised strict action against the perpetrators.

“Every single person who has disturbed the peace in the city will be nabbed and no one will be spared,” Sanghavi told reporters.

According to police, some miscreants travelling in an autorickshaw pelted stones at the Ganesh pandal and damaged the statue.

In this connection, the police arrested several minors and took them to the Lalgate police station.

“A mob of 200 to 300 people gathered and surrounded the police station because some minors from their community were arrested. In the ensuing commotion, some policemen were injured and a police vehicle was damaged,” an official said.

Gahlaut said that as the mob gathered outside the police station to protest the detention of people from their community, two groups began throwing stones at each other, injuring some police officers.

“The police fired tear gas shells and used batons (to disperse the protesters). We are conducting a search operation in the area and have arrested several accused. We have CCTV footage and video footage which will be used to arrest the accused and ensure strict punishment,” he said.

The persons who allegedly pelted stones at the statue have been charged under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, including unlawful assembly, damaging or desecrating a place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class, and willful and malicious acts with intent to hurt the religious feelings of any class by insulting their religion or religious beliefs.

Police said charges of rioting, unlawful assembly, damaging public property, etc. have been filed against the violent mob members.