Violence mars Ganesh immersion ceremony in Vadodara

Vadodara, Sep 6 (UNI) A minor clash erupted in the Nyay Mandir area of the city during the Ganesh idols immersion ceremony this evening.

Reports said clashes broke out between the two communities near the historic Lal Court building, which is close to the main immersion site of Sursagar, when the idols were lined up for immersion in heavy downpour.

However, police immediately intervened and resorted to lathicharge to deter the stone-throwing mob.

A similar incident was reported near Sulemani chawl under Panigate police station jurisdiction in the afternoon after a group of people reportedly opposed playing of the controversial Vande Mataram song by a local puja mandal during the immersion procession.

No one was injured in these incidents, police claimed saying the situation was fully under control.

However, the real charm of Ganesh idol immersion ceremony in Vadodara city was virtually washed out with heavy rains lashing the city since this evening.

Though slight drizzle had started since afternoon, everything was shattered as the city and its adjoining areas experienced incessant rains after 1900 hrs when the festivity was at its peak.

Keeping in mind the communal riots that had triggered in the city during the Ganesh immersion ceremony for the past four consecutive years, city police had made elaborate security arrangement and even stopped SMS facilities of all mobile service providers to curb the spread of rumours and maintain law and order during the immersion.

Official sources said only 40 per cent of the 2,000-odd Ganesh idols had been immersed at Sursagar till 2100 hrs, and the immersion was likely to continue till tomorrow morning.

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