Mumbai: A Ganpati immersion procession was marred by violence and stone-pelting on September 17, 2024, in Bhiwandi, Thane. The incident occurred late at night around 12 a.m., as a large Ganpati idol from Ghughat Nagar was being transported to the Nadinaka Kamwari River for immersion. As the procession passed Vanjarpatti Naka, near the Hindustani Mosque, some individuals allegedly pelted stones at the idol, causing reported damage.
This act led to a confrontation between the groups, resulting in a brawl. The Ganpati Mandal demanded that the idol not be immersed until the accused were arrested. Tensions escalated as more people from neighbouring Mandals arrived, chanting slogans and intensifying the situation.
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In response, police forces conducted a lathi charge to disperse the crowd, resulting in injuries to several people, including some officers. The area is now heavily guarded by police in anticipation of an Eid procession scheduled for today. The police are investigating the incident and have registered a case, with a few arrests already made.
Ganpati Immersion In Mumbai
More than 19,000 Ganesh idols were immersed in Mumbai on Tuesday as devotees in the city and rest of Maharashtra bid farewell to their beloved elephant-headed deity at the end of the state's favourite festival. No major untoward incident was reported in the city anywhere during immersions, even as processions of several Ganapati Mandals — community groups — were winding their way to the seashore or lakes amid frenzied dancing, throwing of red `gulal' powder, and beating of `dhol-tasha' or drums late into the night.
As per the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials, more than 19,000 idols were immersed in the sea, lakes, and artificial ponds till 6 pm. Of these, 17,996 were households Ganeshas, 1,053 belonged to Sarvajanik Mandals, and 127 idols were of Goddess Gauri. As many as 7,570 idols were immersed in artificial ponds, including 182 Sarvajanik Ganapati idols. The procession of `Lalbaugcha Raja' Ganesh, which like every year drew lakhs of devotees during the 11-day festival.