As preparations for Ganeshotsav are in full swing across Gujarat, an incident in Vadodara has sparked tension after eggs were reportedly thrown at a Ganesha murti being brought home by local Hindu youths. The incident took place on August 26, in a Muslim-majority area of the city.
According to reports, the murti was being carried for installation when some miscreants allegedly hurled eggs at it, triggering outrage among the local Hindu community. In response, members of Hindu organisations gathered at the site, demanding justice. Police quickly intervened and launched an investigation.
Vadodara Joint Commissioner of Police Leena Patil confirmed that three individuals, including a minor, have been taken into custody in connection with the incident. The two adult accused have been identified as Sufyan Salim Mansuri and Shahnawaz Mohammad Irshad Qureshi.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine if others were involved. Police have assured that any additional suspects identified will also face appropriate legal action.
The Vadodara Police held a press conference regarding the incident, where they stated that a case had been registered against unidentified individuals the same night, and an investigation was promptly launched. Using CCTV footage, human intelligence, and technical surveillance, the accused were apprehended within a few hours. The investigation is currently ongoing, and a detailed interrogation of the suspects will be carried out.
‘Pre-planned conspiracy; strict punishment must be given’ – Hindu organisation
According to sources, Vishnu Prajapati, the Vadodara Metropolitan Minister of the Vishva Hindu Parishad, alleged that the incident was part of a pre-planned conspiracy. He pointed out that the area where the incident occurred is predominantly Muslim, and the Madar Market building, reportedly from where the eggs were thrown, is largely occupied by members of the Muslim community. He also claimed that the eggs were thrown despite the presence of police at the scene. Prajapati has demanded stringent action be taken against those responsible.
Prajapati alleged that the incident was part of a pre-planned conspiracy, noting that eggs were thrown simultaneously from both sides of the road. He stated that even Hindu activists were targeted during the incident. Calling for the immediate arrest and strict punishment of all those involved, he said, “Anti-social elements must face exemplary punishment; otherwise, such incidents will keep recurring.”
