Hyderabad: A Tank Bund protest over restrictions on Ganesh immersion in Hussain Sagar turned tense after police detained several Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Samithi leaders and activists.
The festival committee objected to banners announcing restrictions on immersion. Members also criticised the lack of arrangements at Hussain Sagar as Ganesh Navratri celebrations approached their final stage.
During the demonstration, committee members tore down the banners placed at Tank Bund. Police then intervened to prevent the situation from escalating.
Several organisers and activists were taken into custody during the police action. As a result, tension spread across the Tank Bund area.
Protest intensifies over Hussain Sagar immersion arrangements
The Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Samithi criticised the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation over the arrangements. Committee leaders alleged that officials were acting on the directions of the AIMIM and accused them of imposing what they described as “Razakar rule”.
The committee said it would make its own immersion arrangements if the government failed to provide facilities. Leaders also said restrictions on Ganesh immersion in Hussain Sagar would hurt the sentiments of millions of Hindus.
Meanwhile, the organisers warned of serious consequences if the government or police tried to stop immersion processions or immersion activities. They maintained that Ganesh immersions had taken place in Hussain Sagar for centuries.
Police continued efforts to control the situation after the protest over the immersion banners. The dispute remained focused on arrangements and restrictions for Ganesh immersion in Hussain Sagar.