Tension broke out in Mumbai’s Mazgaon late Sunday night after eggs were allegedly thrown at the arrival procession of the Mazgaon Cha Morya Ganpati idol, sparking anger among devotees and residents.
The incident reportedly took place as the procession was moving towards the Ganpati pandal. According to members of the Ganpati mandal, eggs were allegedly thrown from a nearby building when the procession was approximately 30 to 40 metres away from the pandal.
The alleged incident quickly drew a crowd, with heated arguments breaking out at the location. Police teams rushed to the area to prevent the situation from worsening and attempted to pacify the people gathered there.
Vivek Rana, deputy secretary of the Ganpati mandal, alleged that the eggs were thrown from a building and termed the incident objectionable. The mandal has demanded strict action against those responsible.
Senior Police Officers Reach Mazgaon
Senior police officer Jayant Meena was also present at the spot as tensions mounted. In a video from the scene, Meena can be heard asking people not to raise slogans or create a disturbance.
He urged the crowd to trust the police and allow the authorities to investigate the matter and take action according to the law.
Police have now registered an FIR against unidentified persons following directions from the Mumbai Police Commissioner. CCTV footage from the surrounding area is being examined as investigators attempt to identify the person or persons allegedly involved.
Hitesh Chandrakant Jadhav, president of the Akhil Sarvajanik Utsav Samiti Maharashtra, claimed that an egg came from a housing society and broke near the trolley carrying the Ganesh idol.
Jadhav said the incident led to a large gathering of Ganesh devotees in Mazgaon. He also claimed that members of organisations including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal were present and extended support to the Ganpati mandal.
According to Jadhav, police registered a non-bailable offence against an unidentified person and assured those gathered that efforts would be made to identify the accused. He appealed to devotees and Ganesh mandals to remain calm and wait for official information.
The incident comes a day after a separate tragedy during a Ganesh idol procession in Mumbai’s Bhuleshwar area. A 22-foot-tall Ganesh idol reportedly collapsed during its arrival procession on Saturday night, killing two people and injuring five others, including two girls aged five and seven.
Mumbai is preparing for the upcoming 10-day Ganesh festival, which is scheduled to begin across Maharashtra on September 14. Around 10,600 public Ganesh mandals are expected in Mumbai this year, while approximately 2,500 have reportedly received permission for 10-day celebrations. Across Maharashtra, nearly 28 lakh Ganesh idols are expected to be installed.
