Eggs Hurled At Ganpati Procession In Mumbai’s Mazgaon
Police register case against unidentified persons after alleged egg-throwing sparks heated arguments during idol arrival procession.
Tension gripped Mumbai's Mazgaon area late on Sunday night after eggs were allegedly hurled at the arrival procession of the Mazgaon Cha Morya Ganpati idol, triggering a heated exchange among local residents and devotees.
The incident occurred as the procession was passing through the locality. Residents and Ganesh devotees alleged that eggs were thrown from a nearby building, leading to anger among those participating in the procession. A large crowd gathered at the spot following the incident, prompting police to intervene.
Vivek Rana, deputy secretary of the Ganpati mandal, said the incident caused tension in the area. Police officials reached the spot and held discussions with organisers and residents, eventually bringing the situation under control.
Police have registered a case against unidentified persons under relevant legal provisions. Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the area, including surveillance cameras installed in nearby buildings, to identify the persons allegedly involved and determine how the incident took place.
The crowd dispersed after police assured the organisers and residents that appropriate action would be taken. Authorities have since increased patrolling in Mazgaon and deployed additional personnel as a precautionary measure.
Police said the situation is currently under control and appealed to residents to maintain peace.
The latest incident has also brought back memories of a similar episode during Mumbai's Ganesh festival in 2022. In August that year, a 25-year-old man was arrested for allegedly throwing an egg at a group carrying a Ganesh idol in the Kamathipura area of Nagpada.
Police had said the incident took place during a procession carrying the idol from Chinchpokli. The accused was booked under provisions of the Indian Penal Code relating to promoting enmity between groups and deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings.
The Mazgaon incident comes ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi, when several parts of Mumbai witness large-scale idol arrival processions and public celebrations.
With the festival approaching, authorities are expected to maintain heightened security along sensitive routes and around major pandals. Increased police surveillance, crowd management and coordination with Ganesh mandals are likely to form part of the security arrangements to prevent incidents and ensure peaceful celebrations.