Mumbai's Mazgaon area was filled with tension during a Ganesh idol procession after eggs were thrown at the procession and there was a clash between the two groups. The incident happened during Ganesh festival celebrations, and police have beefed up security in the area.
The situation started with some people throwing eggs at the Ganesh procession, the organisers said, and some people had thrown eggs, they said. They said a verbal clash between two groups of people later turned into a physical fight between them.
Mumbai Police officials rushed to the place as soon as they heard of the incident and intervened to control the situation. Mazgaon and surrounding areas were also made safer after the incident, and there was some additional security put in place in the vicinity of Mazgaon.
Police Step Up Security in Mazgaon
There are police on the ground patrolling the area in the event of a small clash that could escalate into a major spat and lead to unrest at the festival. Police officers are on the streets at sensitive points, and officials are in close contact with procession organisers and residents, sources said.
Residents are also urged to remain calm and not believe or spread unverified information on social media. Police are investigating the circumstances that led to the clash and are trying to locate those involved.
They also have new security issues to be taken care of during large-scale religious processions in Mumbai, particularly in densely populated areas where huge crowds come together.
Bhuleshwar Ganesh Idol Accident Claims Two Lives
The Mazgaon clash occurred at the same time as a tragedy in Mumbai’s Bhuleshwar area, when two people died after a large Ganesh idol collapsed during a procession.
The accident happened near Kabutarkhana on Jai Ambe Chowk in Bhuleshwar when the large idol suddenly fell. Two people were trapped under the structure and died at the scene while five others were injured.
The deceased are Sanket Nevase, 33, president of Akhil Bhuleshwar Public Ganesh Mandal, and Brijesh Hemant Joshi, 30, a resident. The wounded were treated for injuries after the accident and sent for medical treatment.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Mumbai Fire Brigade, Mumbai Police, traffic police, 108 emergency ambulance services and ward-level personnel rushed to the site after the incident. Rescue operations were immediately launched.
Investigation Underway Into Idol Collapse
The reason for the collapse of the large Ganesh idol is not clear at this stage. The construction of the idol, its transportation and the safety arrangements made during the procession are being investigated.
Brijesh Joshi was an accountant with a film city agency, local residents said. Though not a member of the Ganesh mandal, he apparently attended the annual invitation programme associated with the Bhuleshwar Ganesh celebrations.
Following the tragedy, Ganesh mandal members were expected to discuss whether the festival activities should continue and whether another idol should be brought for the remaining celebrations.
Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar expressed grief over the incident and expressed condolences to the families of those who died. The reason for the idol collapse will become clear in the investigation.
VIDEO | Maharashtra: Heavy police security deployed after clash between two groups during Ganesh idol arrival procession in Mazgaon area.
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There are greater security concerns ahead of further celebrations.
The two incidents have put the safety and security arrangements during Ganesh festival processions in Mumbai in the spotlight. While the Bhuleshwar incident raised concerns about crowd and structural safety, the Mazgaon confrontation has added another layer of concern for law enforcement agencies.
Police continued to monitor the situation in Mazgaon and nearby regions to prevent any more clashes or retaliatory incidents. Organisers and community representatives are also working to ensure that peaceful processions take place in the future.
A part of the Mazgaon clash and safety measures surrounding the Ganesh processions and other large Ganesh rallies across the city will be investigated.
