Maharashtra: Unrest following stone-pelting at Durga immersion procession; 4 suspects identified, police reviewing CCTV footage

Maharashtra: Unrest following stone-pelting at Durga immersion procession; 4 suspects identified, police reviewing CCTV footage

Tension erupted in Malegaon, in Maharashtra’s Washim district, following an incident of stone-pelting during a Durga immersion procession. It is reported that the dispute began after *gulal* (colored powder) used during the procession fell onto a house; the situation escalated into stone-pelting and the vandalism of vehicles. Following the incident, members of the *Durga Mandal* (organizing committee) decided to halt the immersion, demanding the arrest of those responsible. A large crowd gathered at the police station premises. In response to the situation, the police deployed personnel from the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), the Rapid Action Force, and the Home Guards. According to the police, four suspects involved in the stone-pelting have been identified, though they remain at large. Amidst heavy police deployment, the Durga immersion procession was concluded peacefully around 4:00 AM. Currently, there is a tense calm in Malegaon, and the police are closely monitoring the situation.