Surat

An unrest incident was reported in Surat’s Lalgate area after a few perpetrators allegedly hurled stones at a Ganesh Pandal amid the ongoing Ganesh Utsav.

Six people were arrested, and 27 others, who were involved in encouraging the incident have also been detained. An individual is also reported to have been injured in the stone-pelting incident.

Media reports suggest that this act ensued unrest in the vicinity, following which an enraged group besieged the Sayedpura Police Station.

In retaliation, the police reportedly conducted a lathi charge at the protestors and are said to have also hurled a few rounds of tear gas.

Six people were arrested, and 27 others, who were involved in encouraging the incident have also been detained.

Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi confirmed the incident, stating that six individuals were involved in the stone-pelting.

“All six have been arrested, along with 27 others who are accused of inciting the act,” Sanghvi said during a media briefing. He assured the public that an investigation was underway and stern action would be taken against anyone disturbing the peace. "Police are deployed in all areas of Surat to ensure law and order," he added.

Surat North MLA Kanti Balar has also reached the spot. Surat MP Mukesh Dalal has also taken note of the incident.

Surat Police Commissioner A S Gahlaut has also appealed to the locals to maintain peace and harmony.

“The police immediately took the children involved into custody, but the situation escalated quickly. Lathi charges were conducted in areas where necessary, and tear gas was deployed to bring the situation under control,” Gahlaut said. “Around 1,000 police personnel are currently deployed to maintain peace,” he added.

(With inputs from syndicated feed)