As Ganesh Visarjan processions filled the streets with devotion and celebration in 2025, they were repeatedly marred by targeted attacks across India and even abroad. From stone pelting and spitting on idols to derogatory remarks and communal provocation, at least 13 shocking incidents were reported. The following report documents each case, highlighting a disturbing trend of hostility towards one of the most vibrant festivals.
Case 1: Vadodara, Gujarat – August 26, 2025
In Vadodara, eggs were thrown at a Ganesh idol immersion procession by three individuals, Sufiyan Salim, Shahnawaz Mohammad Irshad, and a minor. The accused were taken into custody, and cases were filed under relevant sections.
Case 2: Leicester, UK – August 28, 2025
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) sparked outrage by calling saffron flags on two vehicles in a Ganesh Chaturthi procession “extremist symbols.” The Hindu Community Organisations Group (HCOG), representing 40 Hindu bodies, lodged a police complaint, terming the remarks “false and inflammatory.” The row has reignited tensions in Leicester, which saw communal violence in 2022.
Case 3: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh – September 5, 2025
In Mahidpur, stones were hurled at a Ganesh Sawari procession after Muslim groups objected to a tableau highlighting the menace of Love Jihad. Police confirmed that even escorting officers were targeted. Additional forces were deployed, a flag march was conducted, and FIRs were registered against identified miscreants.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 was marred by 13 documented hate crimes against Hindus.
This sacred festival, celebrated with devotion across India and the world, became a target for hostility and intimidation.
🧵 A detailed breakdown follows: pic.twitter.com/QHvgELSTgK
— Hinduphobia Tracker (@hinduphobia_tr) September 9, 2025
Case 4: Balrampur, Chhattisgarh – September 4, 2025
In Virendernagar village, Muslim youths hoisted an Islamic flag atop a Hanuman flag near a Ganesh pandal and uploaded a video online. The incident, coinciding with Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, triggered communal unrest.
Case 5: Solapur, Maharashtra – September 6, 2025
In Maindargi village, Akkalkot, a Muslim man, Ibrahim Chand Babude, attempted to spit on a Ganesh idol during the visarjan procession. Though the spit missed, his remarks, “Do whatever you want; I will see you” fuelled anger. An FIR was registered under BNS Sections 298 & 299 for deliberate insult to religious sentiments.
Case 6: Indore, Madhya Pradesh – September 6, 2025
Tensions rose in Tulsi Nagar when a cow’s severed tail was found hanging at the Saraswati Mata temple’s gate during Ganesh Utsav. Hindu groups alleged it was a deliberate attempt to insult Hindu sentiments and disrupt visarjan celebrations.
Case 7: Shivamogga, Karnataka – September 7, 2025
Two minor Muslim boys spat on the idol during a procession organised by Jai Bhuvaneshwari Yuva Sangh in Jannat Nagar. Outraged devotees demanded strict punishment.
Case 8: Mandya, Karnataka – September 7, 2025
In Mandya, stones were hurled from within a mosque at a Ganesh immersion procession. At least eight Hindus were seriously injured, and the idol was also targeted. Police arrested 21 people, imposed Section 163, and deployed additional forces.
Case 9: Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh – September 8, 2025
During a procession organised by Neetin Singh in Gautam Nagar, residents of nearby Arif Nagar allegedly pelted stones, damaging the idol. Surprisingly, instead of action against attackers, police booked organiser Neetin Singh, triggering anger among locals.
Case 10: Bhopal (Janakpur Dham, Nepal) – September 8, 2025
At Majra Chowk, near Kadiwalia Talab, a mob attacked the visarjan procession to create fear. Two devotees were injured before police dispersed the crowd and stationed additional forces.
Case 11: Shivamogga, Karnataka – September 8, 2025
A repeat incident unfolded when two Muslim youths spat on the idol during another procession in Sagar town. The act, coming a day after the Mandya stone pelting, worsened communal tensions. Police again intervened, assuring action.
Case 12: Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh – September 3, 2025
In Saffron Park, Mandsaur, a mob attacked the Ganesh festival procession, leaving eight Hindus injured. Police filed cases against unidentified miscreants and promised arrests soon. District Collector Deepak Kumar Meena condemned the violence.
Case 13: Andhra Pradesh – August 29, 2025
On August 29, at Somappa Circle, he reportedly abused Hindu devotees over the microphone, and later that night, near the fire station, he allegedly beat a man without cause. On August 31, during the traditional procession from Soganur Road Anjaneya Swami Temple to Ramaswamy Temple, the officer allegedly assaulted an auto driver, kicking him with booted legs and leaving him injured.
34 incidents reported in 2024
Similarly, in 2024, over 34 incidents of violence were reported during the Ganesh Visarjan processions across India. From stone pelting and idol desecration to communal clashes, the attacks reveal a disturbing pattern of hostility against Hindu festivities.
1. Sept 19 – Davangere, Karnataka: Stone pelting at Ganesh immersion near Chamarajpet Circle after “Jai Shri Ram” slogans; 4 policemen injured.
2. Nov 3 – Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh: Mohammad Taufiq destroyed idols; threatened an elderly woman who resisted. Locals caught him and handed him to the police.
3. Nov 4 – Siddharthnagar, Uttar Pradesh: Ganesh–Lakshmi immersion attacked in Mali Mehanda; 2 women injured. Police filed FIR against unidentified miscreants.
4. Sept 18 – Sindhudurg, Maharashtra: Ganesh immersion procession attacked in Akor Naypeeth; devotees & police injured. 68 rioters arrested.
5. Sept 17 – Ambernath, Maharashtra: Stones pelted on Ganesh idol near Muslim Masjid; idol damaged. Police lathi-charged, injuring several devotees.
6. Sept 17 – Siddharthnagar, Uttar Pradesh: Stone pelting during immersion at Mahavadi Chauraha, Dohitgad Tehsil.
7. Sept 17 – Akola, Maharashtra: In Achalpur city, Muslim rioters pelted stones at Ganesh procession near Gandhi statue.
8. Sept 17 – Mehsana, Gujarat: Mob of 150–200 attacked procession near mosque with lathis, knives, pipes. 10 arrested.
9. Sept 17 – Buldhana, Maharashtra: Communal clash stopped procession for 2 hours. Devotees alleged a targeted attack.
10. Sept 17 – Buldhana, Maharashtra: Miscreants blocked road, pelted stones from houses. 3 policemen and devotees injured.
11. Sept 17 – Balrampur, Chhattisgarh: Stone pelting at Aada Gaon immersion. Several injured including Deela Yadav. 4 arrested (Haseeb, Iqbal, Ittefaq, Israil).
12. Sept 17 – Vita, Maharashtra: Women’s Ganesh rally attacked at night; idol damaged. Police listed 74 miscreants.
13. Sept 16 – Delhi (Sushil Kumar Pur): Girls returning from immersion attacked by mob targeting bikes; several injured.
14. Aug 16 – Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh: Returning devotees attacked with lathis and bricks; “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans raised.
15. Sept 16 – Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh: Knife-wielding mob raised “Pakistan Zindabad” near pandals; chased devotees, issued threats.
16. Sept 15 – Thane, Maharashtra: Procession attacked under pretext of throwing gulal; idol face damaged.
17. Sept 15 – Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh: Devotees returning abused, attacked with sharp weapons. 2 Muslim youths arrested with Shashikant.
18. Sept 14 – Bhilwara, Rajasthan: Stones pelted on Shri Ganesh Mahotsav Utsav in Sayaganer. 3 arrested.
19. Sept 14 – Pune, Maharashtra: Wahid Ismail Sayyed attacked organiser Vastava Tivde over Ganesh Utsav invite. Case filed under BNS 109, 118(1), 351(2).
20. Sept 14 – Uttar Pradesh: Bottle thrown on immersion procession; mob attacked with stones & bottles in Kasoli area.
21. Sept 12 – Raigad, Maharashtra: Attack on Gujarati Ganpati procession; 6 women injured by 2 Muslim minors.
22. Sept 11 – Belagavi, Karnataka: Stone pelting near masjid during immersion; 4–5 bikes set on fire. Police booked PFI chief & Nasir.
23. Sept 10 – Surat, Gujarat: Meena & Rasbika Pathan, with minors, broke 10 Ganesh idols worth RS 60,000. Police arrested them.
24. Sept 10 – Bharuch, Gujarat: Clash during bhajan & flag hoisting at Gokulnagar Ganesh Utsav.
25. Sept 10 – Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: Muslim youths threw stones, raised “Allahu Akbar” slogans; idol was damaged. 2 minors arrested.
26. Sept 10 – Kachchh, Gujarat: Stones pelted on Ganesh idol in Jodhi village; idol’s nose broke. Provocative flag planted. Case against 3 minors and 4 others.
27. Sept 9 – Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh: Procession attacked near Hameed Mochi Pura; stones on idol, devotees, police vehicles. FIR on 150 people, 3 arrested.
28. Sept 7 – Surat, Gujarat: Random stone pelting on Lal Gate Ganesh pandal. 27 arrested. 1,000 police deployed.
29. Sept 6 – Lohardaga, Jharkhand: Hindu organisers attacked over Ganesh puja; told “no puja in our lane.”
30. Sept 6 – Chatagaanj, Bihar: Idol carried by devotees doused with water, then attacked with stones near masjid.
31. Sept 6 – Kurli (Raigad), Maharashtra: Heinous attack on a Gujarati Ganesh procession from Gopesh Padi. 6 women injured.
32. Sept 14 – Uttar Pradesh: Ganesh immersion procession attacked with stones and bottles in Kasoli.
33. Sept 17 – Vita (Maharashtra): Girls rally after immersion attacked at night; idol desecrated.
34. Sept 18 – Sindhudurg (Maharashtra): Ganesh immersion mob attack; 68 arrested.
