Mumbai Parel Eid Procession Tension: Stone-Pelting Reported, Police Deploy Heavy Security

Tensions were reported in Mumbai’s Parel area during an Eid Milad-un-Nabi procession, when a clash between two groups turned into stone-pelting, damage to banners and raising slogans, and police stepped up security in the area. Police were on high alert around Laxmi Cottage in the early hours of August 27 to prevent violence from escalating further.

Mumbai Parel Eid Procession Clash | Photo Credit: x.com/rightwingchora
Mumbai Parel Eid Procession Clash | Photo Credit: x.com/rightwingchora

In the police account, the situation started with a relatively small scuffle between two groups around 7 p.m. The dispute only grew by 9 p.m., when people in both groups allegedly threw stones at each other, the police said. Banners were also torn during the fight and slogans were raised by people from both sides.

The situation remained tense into the early hours as activity started around 1 a.m. near Laxmi Cottage. Several people were arrested for the incident and some people were injured, police said. Police quickly dispersed the groups and restored order with more police officers at the sensitive areas in Parel and nearby areas.

The videos on social media showed large crowds of people on motorcycles gathered in the area and flashing emergency lights. But several of the claims in the videos were not verified independently. Social media posts claimed that a large crowd had targeted passersby and attacked a Ganpati pandal with religious slogans.

The reported encounter in this case was on a busy Eid Milad-un-Nabi procession in a crowded area in central Mumbai. With religious processions and public celebrations taking place in different parts of the city, authorities have increased their vigilance to prevent small disputes from spiraling into larger law-and-order problems.

The police presence was increased at and around the affected places after the clashes. Officers also monitored movement in the area and worked to ensure that crowds dispersed peacefully. The deployment was to prevent further confrontation and restore normalcy in the locality.

Authorities have also told residents and the public to stop spreading rumors and posting false videos and posts. They have stressed that factual information must be verified, especially when religious groups are being discussed online. Unverified information can add to tension quickly and make it more difficult for authorities to restore order.

The incident also comes against the backdrop of preparations and heightened security surrounding religious events in Mumbai. During big events, police closely monitor procession routes and sensitive areas, and staff at strategic locations handle crowds and settle issues.

Investigators would be able to see CCTV footage and available video recordings to establish the sequence of events and identify those involved in the violence. Further action will be taken based on the evidence collected during the investigation.

Thus far, Parel has calmed down and the situation is now under control, with heavy police security in place around the area. There is still no fresh clash happening, and the police are keeping an eye on Parel and its vicinity to avoid any conflict.

The incident is still under investigation, and authorities have said that people should not make conclusions based on social media posts or unverified videos. Residents are advised to remain calm and cooperate with law-enforcement personnel as the investigation continues, police said.