Violence erupted outside the Pumping Police Station in Surat’s Syedpura area late Sunday night after stones were reportedly thrown at a Ganesh pandal in Wariyali Bazar, sparking a confrontation that led to widespread vandalism of Muslim-owned shops, vehicles, and a mosque.
The incident occurred between 9 and 10 p.m., when stones were thrown at a Ganesh pandal, allegedly by children aged between 8 and 12. The children, reportedly from Dalit and Muslim backgrounds, were taken to the Pumping Police Station in an auto-rickshaw after locals accused them of being responsible for the stone pelting.
According to local sources, the stones may have accidentally hit the pandal while the children were playing. However, the situation quickly escalated, and the incident was exploited by those seeking to spread hatred, exacerbating existing tensions between Hindus and Muslims.
Local journalist Sahal Qureshi told The Observer Post that members of Hindu organizations, along with BJP MLA Kanti Balar, gathered at the police station, further inflaming the situation. Balar was allegedly heard saying, “We will not tolerate the hooliganism of Muslims.” As tensions rose, the crowd swelled, and chants of “bulldozer, bulldozer” began, referring to the demand to demolish Muslim homes in the area.
Sooner than imagined, violence followed, with Hindutva mob targeting Muslim-owned shops, vehicles, and a nearby mosque. Stone pelting erupted from both sides, injuring several, including Deputy Commissioner of Police Vijay Singh Gurjar.
At around 2 a.m., reports emerged that police forces had forcibly entered Muslim homes, detaining 27 people. Muslim residents of the area alleged that officers, dressed in civilian clothes without nameplates, broke down doors in the middle of the night.
The police, however, have stated that they were acting to arrest those involved in the violence. The situation remains tense, but police claim the area is now under control.
Congress leader Aslam Cyclewala expressed concerns over the incident, urging Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi to ensure that innocent people are not wrongfully arrested.
So far, there are reports of 27 Muslim youths being apprehended by Surat Police. It is unclear what actions have been taken by the police after the arrests.
Details of a bulldozer arriving the Muslim area late at night also emerged. Hindu organizations had demanded the use of the bulldozer, following the stone pelting.
