As Vadodara geared up for Ganeshotsav celebrations, a group of individuals threw eggs at a procession of Hindu youths carrying an idol of Lord Ganesha in the Madar market area of the city on Tuesday, sparking outrage and tensions.
The Vadodara Police identified the accused as Sufyan Salim Mansuri and Shahnawaz Mohammad Irshad Qureshi and a minor.
The two individuals were apprehended, and the minor was taken into custody within hours of the incident. Following this, Joint Commissioner of Police Leena Patil said that further investigation is underway to determine whether more individuals were involved.
A combination of CCTV footage analysis, local intelligence, and technical surveillance led to the identification and capture of the suspects.
According to reports, the incident took place in an area which is predominantly inhabited by members of the Muslim community. Hindu organisations gathered at the scene demanding immediate justice against the incident.
Vishnu Prajapati, Metropolitan Minister of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad in Vadodara, called the act a “pre-planned conspiracy” and claimed that eggs were thrown from both sides of the street – even in the presence of police.
Prajapati emphasised the need for strict punishment, warning that failure to act decisively could embolden such anti-social elements in the future.
He urged law enforcement to carry out a thorough investigation and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
As tensions remain high, the Vadodara Police have assured the public that they are treating the matter with the utmost seriousness.
Further interrogations are ongoing, and additional arrests have not been ruled out.
Meanwhile, this year, Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayak Chaturthi, is being observed across the country on August 27.
The festival is marked by the installation of beautifully crafted idols of Ganpati Bappa in homes.
Devotees across the country celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayak Chaturthi, by offering prayers, chanting mantras, and visiting puja pandals.
Rituals are marked by offerings of red sandalwood paste, marigold and hibiscus flowers, coconuts, jaggery, and most famously, modaks—sweet dumplings believed to be Ganesha’s favorite. Devotees often prepare 21 modaks, along with laddus and other sweets, as part of the daily puja.