Every year, as Hindus across the world celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with grand processions and devotional fervor, there is a rising concern over the increasing frequency of attacks by radical Islamists targeting these processions. The 2024 Ganesh Utsav has been marred by several incidents of communal violence, with attacks reported not only in various parts of India but also in neighboring Bangladesh.
Violent Attack on Ganesh Devotees in Gujarat
In the Mundra area of Kutch district, Gujarat, an alarming incident occurred on 6th September 2024. Three Hindu youths carrying a Ganesh idol were brutally attacked by a group of Islamists. According to the complaint lodged by one of the victims, Yuvraj Singh Jadeja, the altercation began when their vehicle was blocked by a motorcycle parked in the middle of the road. The accused, identified as Hamja, Garooq, and three others, refused to move their bikes, leading to a verbal dispute that quickly turned violent.
The victims were physically assaulted, with one of the attackers reportedly brandishing a sword and threatening to kill them. An FIR was filed at the Mundra police station under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). While two suspects have been arrested, the incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of Hindu devotees during religious festivals.
Stone Pelting on Ganesh Idol in Madhya Pradesh Sparks Protests
On 7th September, another disturbing attack was reported from Mochipura in Ratlam district, Madhya Pradesh. Miscreants pelted stones at a Ganesh idol being carried by a procession, triggering massive protests by around 500 people. The situation escalated when a stone hit a police vehicle, further fueling the tensions. The police were forced to intervene, using mild force to disperse the crowds and prevent further violence. An FIR has been registered, and investigations are underway to identify the culprits responsible for this targeted attack on the Ganesh Utsav procession.
Ganesh Pandal Stoned in Surat, Gujarat
In Surat, Gujarat, a Ganeshotsav pandal in the Lal Gate area became the target of stone pelting on 7th and 8th September. The attacks, allegedly carried out by Muslim minors, led to widespread protests by Hindus in the area. Reports suggest that stones were also hurled at the police when they arrived at the scene to investigate. The situation remains tense, with Hindu organizations calling for strict action against the perpetrators.
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Ganesh Idol Procession Attacked Near Mosque in Bangladesh
In a shocking incident reported from Chittagong, Bangladesh, on 6th September, Hindu devotees carrying a Ganesh idol were attacked near the Kadam Mubarak mosque. The attack involved hot water being thrown on the idol and devotees from a high-rise building, followed by bricks being hurled at the procession. The communal violence left several devotees injured, raising concerns over the safety of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
This wave of attacks on Hindu processions during Ganesh Chaturthi highlights the growing religious intolerance in parts of South Asia. As devotees continue their celebrations, the need for heightened security measures and communal harmony becomes ever more crucial to prevent further violence.
The incidents have sparked outrage among Hindu communities, with calls for justice and strict action against the attackers. The recurring pattern of such violence during religious festivals raises serious questions about the protection of religious freedoms in the region.
