Surat : Thieves Target Eight Ganesh Pandals, Two arrested

Surat | Gujarat — Surat, the diamond city of India, witnessed a disturbing breach of faith and security as smugglers targeted eight Ganesh pandals in Mahidharpura’s Darukhana Road on a single night, leaving devotees shocked and furious. The thefts, which took place after 2 a.m., have raised serious concerns over the safety of Ganesh pandals during the festive season.

According to police, thieves made away with silver idols, lamps, cash, and other valuables from the pandals. Shockingly, one of the small Ganesh idols was broken during the theft, angering locals. A new idol was immediately installed in the morning to continue the worship.

“This is not just a theft, it’s an attack on our devotion,” said Bhavesh Patel, a local organizer. “People stay awake in these pandals till late night to celebrate Ganesh Utsav, and yet thieves managed to loot eight pandals in a row. This shows negligence in security.”

CCTV Footage Captures Thieves in Action

CCTV cameras installed near the pandals played a crucial role in cracking the case. The footage captured two men moving across different streets and targeting pandals located barely 50 meters apart. Within hours, the police identified and arrested two accused — Akash alias Tambo Govind Dantani and Sohil Sai Dantani.

“All stolen goods, including the silver idols and cash, have been recovered,” confirmed DCP Raghav Jain. “This was purely a case of theft, and there was no intention to hurt religious sentiments. Both accused belong to the Hindu community. We appeal to citizens not to fall prey to rumors and maintain peace.”

Police Call for Calm, Locals Continue Aarti

The police swiftly engaged with local leaders, MLAs, and pandal organizers to prevent communal tension. After the meetings, locals gathered to perform aarti in the same pandals that were looted, signaling unity and resilience.

“This festival is about devotion, and we will not let thieves destroy our faith,” said Harshad Mehta, another pandal organizer. “The community is united, and with the police arresting the culprits, we hope such incidents don’t repeat.”

Concerns Over Festival Security

The incident has highlighted the vulnerability of pandals in Surat, especially during Ganesh Utsav when thousands of devotees visit them daily. Despite heavy footfall, pandals often lack adequate security arrangements, making them soft targets for criminals.

Local residents have urged the Surat Municipal Corporation and police to increase patrolling around pandals, particularly in sensitive areas like Mahidharpura.

“Ganesh pandals are sacred spaces. When thieves can strike eight pandals in a single night, it’s a wake-up call for the authorities,” said social activist Anil Desai.