Tension in Mumbai's Mazgaon After Eggs Allegedly Thrown at Ganpati Procession, FIR Registered
MUMBAI: Tension gripped Mumbai's Mazgaon area late Sunday night after an unidentified person allegedly threw eggs at the arrival procession of the Mazgaon Cha Morya Ganpati idol. The incident, which occurred around 11:30 pm, triggered a gathering of thousands of devotees, prompting heavy police deployment and the registration of an FIR.
The Incident
According to Vivek Rana, deputy secretary of the Ganpati mandal, the eggs were thrown when the procession was about 20-25 meters from the pandal. Rana alleged that some unidentified miscreants from the Continental Heights building, located about 30-40 meters from the pandal, threw eggs during the Ganesh Aagaman procession. He called the incident objectionable and demanded strong action against those responsible.
Hitesh Jadhav, president of the Akhil Sarvajanik Utsav Samiti Maharashtra, said an egg came from a housing society and broke near the trolley carrying the idol. Jadhav also told ANI that the incident was condemnable, noting that the arrival of Lord Ganpati had already taken place when someone from nearby buildings threw 'Baida' (egg in Marathi). He said the incident escalated tension in the area and urged police to take action within 24 hours.
Crowd Response and Police Action
The incident led to a large crowd gathering on the streets, with thousands raising slogans demanding the arrest of those responsible. Some reports mentioned that the crowd allegedly pelted stones at the building from which the eggs were thrown. Senior police officers, including Deputy Commissioner of Police Jayant Meena, reached the spot and attempted to pacify the crowd. Meena was seen urging people to trust the police and allow the law to take its course.
Police registered an FIR against unidentified persons under Sections 299 (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings) and 196 (promoting enmity between different groups) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. One report mentioned that a non-bailable offence was registered. Authorities are examining CCTV footage from the area to identify those involved, and no arrest has been made so far. Additional police personnel have been deployed in the area as a precautionary measure, and the situation was brought under control by Monday morning.
Political Reactions
The incident drew sharp reactions from political leaders. Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane questioned communal harmony, saying those involved had shown their true colours. "This is why we call them 'green snakes'; it was proved once again yesterday," Rane said, adding, "Do Hindus in this Hindu nation not have the right to celebrate their festivals?"
BJP MLA Ram Kadam condemned the incident and called it an act of anti-social elements. He said police were investigating the building and towers, and warned against hurting religious sentiments. Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC termed the incident unfortunate and said the government would take it sternly, calling for communal harmony. BJP national spokesperson R.P. Singh expressed hope for stringent action against those responsible.
Official Assurance
Maharashtra cultural affairs minister Ashish Shelar extended support to the organisers and assured that complete action would be taken within 24 hours. Jadhav confirmed this, saying, "Ashish Shelar has helped us a lot. We have been assured that complete action will be taken on this within 24 hours." Jadhav also appealed to devotees and Ganesh mandals to remain calm and wait for official updates.
Context and Similar Incidents
The Mazgaon incident draws parallels to a 2022 case in Kamathipura, Nagpada, when eggs were thrown at a Ganesh idol procession. In that case, the accused was arrested and booked under Sections 153A and 295A of the Indian Penal Code. Section 153A deals with promoting enmity between groups on religious grounds, while Section 295A pertains to deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings.
The incident comes ahead of the Ganesh Utsav, which begins September 14. Mumbai has around 10,600 public Ganesh mandals, with about 2,500 getting permission for the festival. Across Maharashtra, around 28 lakh Ganesh idols are expected to be installed during the celebrations, with prominent mandals planning elaborate themes including a replica of Ayodhya's Ram Temple and superhero-inspired decorations.