On 15 September 2024, a significant protest erupted in Nagercoil, Kanyakumari district, against the police who allegedly attacked youths celebrating with drums and music during the Ganesha Visarjan procession. The incident, which involved injuries to a youth, created considerable unrest.
The Hindu organization had obtained permission to hold a rally with Ganesha idols at Sanguthurai Beach in Nagercoil for the immersion ceremony, symbolizing Ganesha’s return to his celestial abode and bidding farewell until the next year. During the procession, the police reportedly attacked the celebrants, who were dancing and playing music peacefully.
This action was strongly condemned by Hindu organizations and the marchers, who halted the procession to demand an apology from the police involved.
BJP MLA Gandhi and other leaders intervened, engaging in discussions with the police as the demonstration continued for over four hours. The situation was resolved when District SP Sundaravathanam assured that action would be taken against the officers responsible. Subsequently, the procession resumed, and the idols were immersed in the sea at Sanguthurai Beach.
“விநாயகர் சிலை ஊர்வலத்தில் இளைஞரை போலீசார் தாக்கியதாக புகார்..” மன்னிப்பு கேட்க வலியுறுத்தி 4 மணி நேரத்துக்கு மேலாக நடந்த ஆர்ப்பாட்டம்.. நாகர்கோவிலில் பரபரப்பு#Kanniyakumari | #VinayagarChathurthi | #Police | #Attack | #Protest | #PolimerNews pic.twitter.com/0MqQtqHUJ9
— Polimer News (@polimernews) September 16, 2024
Previously, in V. Kalathur, Perambalur district, the police prevented the consecration of a Lord Ganesha idol, leading to a scuffle between the police and members of Hindu Munnani. The police claimed that the idol was being brought into the village without proper permission and thus blocked its entry. It is important to note that clear court orders allowed Hindus in the locality to celebrate the festival with the deity’s consecration, as is customary across India.
Members of Hindu Munnani were transporting the Ganesha idol in a vehicle when the police stopped them, which led to an argument and subsequent scuffle. According to a High Court order, organizers were required to ensure a peaceful procession. The police imposed a total of 19 conditions, including not offending others’ religious sentiments during the procession, before finally permitting the consecration and worship of the idol.
Subscribe to our Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered instantly.