Bhopal: Communal tension erupted in the city of Ratlam late Saturday night after an alleged stone-pelting incident during a Ganesh Chaturthi procession in the Mochipura area, leading to unrest and calls for swift police action. Nearly 500 protestors gathered outside the Station Road police station, demanding action against the unidentified individual responsible for the attack.
According to Superintendent of Police Rahul Kumar Lodha, the incident occurred when a group of people were carrying an idol for installation as part of the 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival. A complaint was received that a person was injured after a stone was allegedly thrown near a pandal. “An FIR has been lodged against unknown individuals in connection with this case,” SP Lodha confirmed.
The protest escalated as a crowd followed police to the scene of the stone-pelting incident. Amid the unrest, another stone was thrown, leading to a brief but intense clash. During this, the glass of a police vehicle was shattered, prompting the authorities to use force to disperse the crowd.
Reinforcements were brought in from Jaora town in Ratlam district and Dhar district to maintain order. “Heavy security has been deployed at key points in the city, and the situation is currently under control,” the SP added.
Despite the commotion, police confirmed that no idols were damaged in the attack. Authorities are investigating claims that individuals were injured during the stone-pelting, with officers reviewing CCTV footage to identify those responsible.
