Chennai: Nearly 2,090 Vinayaka idols are expected to be installed in street corners in the city on Thursday as part of the Chathurthi celebrations. Hindu Munnani will put up around 1,050 idols, while over a score of other Hindu outfits will install 1,000-odd idols. Police have asked the organisations to install idols only at the existing points. Shiv Sena will be immersing the idols on Saturday while Hindu Munanni and Hindu Makkal Katchi will be taking the idols to the sea on Sunday.
The police had sought details of the idol protection committee members who will be coordinating with police personnel assigned for security purpose. “No permission is given to install idols in new places. The number of idols may vary as per applications from the public and the outfits. There will be 1,800 points where organisers will be permitted to install Ganesha,” a senior police officer said.
The police had also given detailed instructions to the Hindu organisations on restrictions on height and materials that are to be used in making the idols as per the regulations laid down out by court.
Immersion of idols on Saturday and Sunday will be at five points, Foreshore Estate, Neelankarai, Kasimedu, Ennore and Tiruvottiyur. The cops have also advised organisers not to spray chemical-colored water during the procession as per the regulation. The police during meetings with representatives of Hindu outfits had told them that inflammatory speeches hurting religious sentiments will not be tolerated. Nearly 18,000 city police personnel will be on the streets on the dates of procession and immersion of idols.
