Gujarat: Surat Police Arrest 27 After Stone-Pelting Incident At Ganesh Pandal Sparks Communal Tensions

Tension gripped Gujarat's Surat district after minors threw stones at a Ganesh pandal in the early hours of Monday, triggering unrest in the Sayedpura area.

Following the incident, thousands of locals gathered at a nearby police unit, demanding swift action against those responsible.

As the situation escalated, a heavy police force was deployed to restore order. Officers resorted to lathi charges and tear gas to manage the enraged crowd.

Surat Police Commissioner Anupam Gehlot, speaking to ANI, stated, "Some children pelted stones at a Ganesh pandal after which a clash broke out. The police immediately took away those children from there... Police were immediately deployed in the area. Lathi charge was done in all the areas where it was needed and tear gas was used... All the accused who were involved in the peace disturbance are being arrested."

He added that around 1,000 police personnel were stationed in the area to maintain calm.

At approximately 2:30 am, Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi and local BJP MLA Kanti Balar visited the site to engage with locals and help defuse tensions.

Sanghavi later confirmed that six minors who allegedly threw stones had been detained, along with 27 others who were reportedly involved in encouraging the act.

Providing an update on the situation, Sanghavi shared on X, "As I promised, we have caught the stone-pelters before sunrise! 6:30 am #Surat Update Here are the details: 27 stone-pelters arrested, CCTV, video visuals, drone visuals, and other technical surveillance work is still ongoing. Strict action will be taken against all accused."

He praised the police teams, adding that they had worked through the night to identify and apprehend the culprits.