Three people were detained in Hyderabad after a packet containing what was alleged to be non-vegetarian food waste was thrown near a Ganesh idol immersion event in the Madannapet area, police said on Sunday.
The incident reportedly took place while a Ganesh immersion procession and an Annadanam programme were underway. Members of Hindu organisations alleged that a packet containing bones and non-vegetarian material had been thrown near a cooking vessel being used for the community meal.
According to Charminar Zone Deputy Commissioner of Police Kiran Khare, police received information about the incident and immediately reached the spot. The three people taken into custody were identified as Mohammad Imran Qureshi, Arshiya Begum and Sameena. Police said all three were residents of the same 2 BHK housing society in the area.
The incident led to protests, with members of the local Ganesh pandal organising committee demanding strict action against those responsible. The committee also submitted a petition to the police seeking action.
Police said the initial information suggested that the material had been thrown from the housing complex towards the area where the immersion-related activities were taking place. The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated.
DCP Kiran Khare said the three individuals were taken into police custody for questioning and indicated that appropriate legal action would be taken based on the investigation and evidence collected.
The incident briefly triggered tension in the area, with protesters gathering at the spot after news of the alleged act spread. Police personnel were deployed to prevent the situation from escalating.
Authorities later said the situation had returned to normal. According to the police, traffic movement in the area was functioning normally and the concerns raised by residents of the housing society as well as protesters were being addressed.
The police also appealed to people not to spread rumours or circulate unverified information about the incident.
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Hyderabad involve large public gatherings, processions and idol immersion programmes, with community meals and other events organised at several locations. Against this backdrop, police have been maintaining security arrangements in areas where large numbers of people gather.
The investigation into the alleged throwing of the food waste is continuing. Police are examining the circumstances in which the packet was thrown and the involvement of those detained.
Officials have said that further action will depend on the evidence gathered during the investigation. Meanwhile, authorities are monitoring the area to ensure that the situation remains peaceful.
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