Gujarat Home Minister Vows Justice in Surat Ganesh Pandal Incident

Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi assures no accused will be spared in the stone-pelting incident on a Ganesh Pandal in Surat's Sayedpura. Police used technology to nab culprits, while the society is urged to guide the youth. FIRs and detentions follow, with 28 accused nabbed so far.

Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Monday assured that no accused will be spared in the stone-pelting incident on a Ganesh Pandal in the Sayedpura area of Surat. Sanghavi emphasized that while the law will take its course, society also holds responsibility to guide its children and youth.

"Surat Police ensured that no accused shall be spared, and also ensured that no innocent should be arrested. CCTV, videography, and drone visuals aided in nabbing these anti-social elements. Stone pelters are the biggest culprits in society," he said. "The law will take its own course, but it is society's responsibility to guide its youth. Gujarat Police operates with the motto 'jo kaayde mein rahenge wahi faayde mein rahenge'."

Surat Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot revealed that six people, including the driver, were in the auto from which stones were thrown at the Ganesh Pandal. "On September 8, young boys pelted stones from a moving autorickshaw. Police personnel chased and apprehended them immediately, and an FIR was lodged against them," he said.

Gehlot added that residents, predominantly from minority communities, gathered in large numbers and engaged in heated arguments with police. "The police used force, including tear gas and baton charges, to disperse the crowd. A total of 28 accused were nabbed, and three cases were registered," he stated.

Gehlot also mentioned that cases were filed against six juveniles under sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). "The process is underway to arrest other suspects too. No accused will be spared, and we have formed several teams for this," he concluded.

(With inputs from agencies.)