Stone Pelting at Ganesh Pandal in Surat: Swift Police Action Brings Justice
Late Sunday night, tensions erupted in Surat’s Saiyedpura area during Ganesh Utsav after a group of people pelted stones at a Ganesh pandal. The swift and efficient response by the Surat Police resulted in the arrest of over 30 individuals involved in the incident, including those directly throwing stones and others encouraging the act of Stone Pelting.
The incident quickly escalated as a large crowd took to the streets in protest. In response, police forces, led by Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot, deployed over 1,000 personnel to maintain order. The police took control of the situation through lathi charges and tear gas, restoring peace in the area.
It's 1:30 Am and @CP_SuratCity is at work… Breaking doors & dragging all the IsIamists who were directly/indirectly involved in stone pelting on Ganesh Pandal in Surat…
No matter who starts in Gujarat, it's always the Guj Gvt who ends it…
@sanghaviharsh bhai 🫡 https://t.co/spFR1f0IsV pic.twitter.com/7eI1gRpcpN
— Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) September 8, 2024
Swift Justice: A Model for Other States
Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi confirmed the arrests of six people directly responsible for the stone pelting, as well as 27 others who encouraged the incident.
Sanghvi’s visit to the scene and participation in the Ganesh aarti reassured the local Hindu community, instilling confidence that swift justice would be delivered.
The rapid action by the police sends a strong message that lawbreakers will be dealt with promptly and fairly. This approach should serve as an example for other states dealing with similar communal tensions.
Accused who allegedly pelted stones at Ganpati pandal in Surat arrested after a night long operation by Gujarat police pic.twitter.com/f1QkSAi4Fj
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) September 9, 2024
Stone Pelting by ‘Peacefuls’ and the Growing Intolerance
The stone-pelting incident during a Hindu festival in Surat reflects a broader issue of growing intolerance. Certain Muslim groups, ironically labeled as “peacefuls,” have increasingly shown disrespect toward other religious traditions, particularly Hindu festivities. This isn’t an isolated event but part of a disturbing trend of hostility directed at the majority faith.
This is what so-called "oppressed people" were doing in Surat.
They all are crying in lock-up at this time… pic.twitter.com/kviKfUvFpE
— Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) September 9, 2024
These extremists, often at the forefront of such provocations, pose a serious concern for India’s future. Hindus, despite being 80% of the population, face such harassment regularly, raising fears about the implications should they ever become a minority in their own country.
The attack during Ganesh Chaturthi, a festival deeply revered by Hindus, highlights the dangerous spread of religious intolerance. However, the swift action by the Gujarat Police, which ensured prompt arrests and restored peace, stands as a commendable example. Their decisive response prevented further violence and should serve as a model for other states grappling with similar tensions.
Hindus Face Continuous Harassment
While Hindus constitute a majority in India, incidents like this serve as stark reminders of the harassment they face from extremist factions. These events also raise a critical question—
“if such acts can occur when Hindus are the majority, what might happen if they were to become a minority?”
Gujarat Police’s quick intervention in the Surat incident sends a clear message that law and order will be upheld. Still, it also highlights the necessity for other state police forces to act similarly.
Swift justice is crucial to maintaining peace and ensuring that extremist factions do not succeed in disturbing communal harmony.
Gujarat Police: A Role Model in Swift Justice
As incidents of religious intolerance and violence continue to rise, state police forces across India need to follow the example set by the Surat Police. Fast and efficient action not only brings justice but also prevents further unrest.
Surat
-9 PM : IsIamists pelted stones on Ganesh Puja Pandal
-12 AM : over 18 people were arrested
-Surat Police broke doors & dragged out people involved in this
-2 AM : HM @sanghaviharsh bhai visited Ganesh Pandal & participated in Aarti
-Morning 5 AM : IsIamists were limping… pic.twitter.com/k4jLT8hbxD— Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) September 9, 2024
Gujarat Police’s decisive action in this case is commendable, and it demonstrates how law enforcement should respond to protect communal harmony. The state’s prompt arrests and subsequent crackdown on the attackers prevented further escalation, showcasing how swift justice can prevent larger conflicts.
For Hindus, the growing intolerance from certain groups presents a challenge, and the need for protection becomes even more critical as they continue to observe their festivals in peace.
