Ganesh festivities draw to a close peacefully

Chennai, Sep 23 (UNI) Barring some minor skirmishes in the city, the immersion of Lord Ganesh Idols in the sea, marking the culmination of the week-long Ganesha festivities, passed off peacefully.

Except for in one or two places where police chased away two groups, the idol immersion procession to the Marina from various parts of the city, was peaceful, police sources told UNI.

Meanwhile, Hindu Munnani leader Rama Gopalan and 50 of his supporters were arrested by the police when he insisted to take out the procession on a sensitive route where a place of worship was situated.

As he attempted to defy the police orders, he was taken into custody. He would be released later in the evening.

Police had made unprecedented security arrangements to prevent any untoward incident. More than 5,000 police personnel were deployed on security duty at all important places in the city from where the idol immersion processions began.

Various Hindu outfits which have installed more than 1000 idols in the city, took out the procession and immersed them in the sea.

Video-cameras and closed circuit TVs (CCTVs) were set up at all strategic points to cover the procession and cranes were stationed at different locations for the idol immersion.

UNI