Curfew Imposed After Stone-Pelting at Durga Procession
Police and security forces – including the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) – were quickly deployed to the area to bring the situation under control.
Mumbai: Tension gripped Malegaon town in Maharashtra’s Washim district after a group of people allegedly pelted stones at a Durga idol immersion procession following the Navratri festival. To bring the situation under control, the police had to impose a curfew in the area.
According to police, the incident occurred around 10 pm on Wednesday near Tipu Sultan Chowk in the town. An argument broke out after colored powder (gulal) thrown during the Navratri festivities allegedly landed on a nearby house. The verbal dispute quickly escalated into a confrontation, resulting in a group of individuals pelting stones at the procession.
Following the stone-pelting, the procession organizers initially halted the immersion rituals and gathered outside the local police station to demand immediate arrests.
Police and security forces – including the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) – were quickly deployed to the area to bring the situation under control.
A curfew was subsequently imposed and a First Information Report (FIR) process was initiated against the suspects. After the incident, the procession organisers initially insisted that the immersion would not proceed until the accused were arrested
However, after police intervention and an appeal for peace, the immersion rituals were safely completed by 4 am on Thursday morning. Local authorities confirmed that the area is currently secure and under strict monitoring.
Police said they have identified a few suspects and are investigating the incident.
The police also appealed to people to maintain peace and refrain from believing or spreading rumours.
