Vinayakar idol immersion passes off peacefully in Muthupettai

The police personnel outnumbered members of various Hindu outfits who carried several Vinayakar idols from the Jambavan Odai Sivan Temple on a 7-km long procession. The idols were immersed at Bhamini river.

There was a large contingent of police as the procession passed through several mosques in the Muslim-majority Muthupettai. Sources said that in the past there have been tension between the two religious groups during the procession. 

Over 2,000 police personnel including 2 Deputy Inspector General of Police, 6 SPs and 20 DSPs under the direct supervision of Central zone IG Varadharaju were drawn from nearby districts and deployed in the region. Riot control and rapid response units were also deployed to handle any emergency.

The procession commenced at the Jambavan Odai Sivan Temple around 2.45 pm and passed through the Jambavan Odai Dargah and three other mosques.

Police personnel escorted the procession with members of various Hindu outfits raising slogans like Bharat Matha Ki Jai.

Leaders of the Hindu Munnani and other Hindu organisations joined the procession at the immersions point, where as many as 19 idols were lowered into the river.