Why Is Lord Ganesh In Police Vehicle? The Viral Photo Explained

A photo circulating on social media showing a Lord Ganesha idol in a police vehicle has ignited a wave of controversy and criticism. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Tejasvi Surya has voiced strong disapproval on X (formerly Twitter), questioning, "This visual of Lord Ganesha in a police vehicle is terrifying. Why is the Congress hell-bent on insulting our deities and belittling the belief and faith of millions of Hindus?"

Another user expressed outrage, linking the incident to alleged anti-Hindu sentiments under Congress rule, claiming, "Under Congress rule in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, Hindus are being beaten up for protesting against the construction of illegal Mazhars and Masjids. In Karnataka under Congress, the police arrested a Ganesh idol-see how much Congress hates Hindus. Congress will fast-track Ghazwa-e-Hind."

However, the context behind the photo reveals a different story. Approximately 40 persons were arrested in Bengaluru for attempting to protest violence that occurred during a Ganesh idol immersion procession in Nagamangala taluk, Mandya district. The protest, organised by the Bengaluru Metropolitan Ganesh Utsav Committee, was planned for the Town Hall area but was denied permission by the police. The protestors were demanding action against those who attacked shops and vehicles with stones and the release of Hindus arrested without justification.

The police, led by DCP Shekhar, established a heavy presence to manage the situation. As the protestors were detained, the Lord Ganesha idol was placed in a police van designated for the protesters, which led to the viral photo that has since fueled political and social media debate. The sight of the solitary Ganesh in the van attracted the attention of photographers, prompting the police to quickly assess the potential for escalating the situation.

A senior police officer clarified, "The group of people attempted to protest in front of the Town Hall without permission. As a precautionary measure, about 40 individuals were taken into custody."