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Clashes break out after eggs hurled at Ganesh idol procession in Maharashtra; police deployed

The incident occurred during the arrival procession of the Ganesh idol.

Clashes break out after eggs hurled at Ganesh idol procession in Maharashtra; police deployed

The 22-foot Ganesh idol that collapsed during a procession in South Mumbai, resulting in the deaths of two people and injuries to five others, has raised questions about the circumstances that led to the tragedy. The sculptor responsible for the idol, Aniket Desai, remains elusive, adding a significant obstacle to the police investigation. Police have been unable to reach Desai, whose whereabouts have become a crucial piece of information in determining the cause of the collapse.

Further complicating the investigation is the discovery that the Plaster of Paris (PoP) used to create the idol was still wet when it fell. This moisture may have increased the idol's weight, potentially contributing to the structural failure. The police are also reviewing reports that the nut bolt securing the idol was loose before the procession began. Upon removal from the workshop, the bolt was reportedly fixed, but the police are scrutinizing CCTV footage to verify these claims.

Two individuals, Sanket Nevshe and Brijesh Joshi, lost their lives when they were trapped under the idol, while five others sustained injuries. An Accidental Death Report (ADR) has been filed by the LT Marg police, who are now investigating whether negligence played a role in the idol's construction or installation. However, the lack of contact with Desai has hindered the police's ability to assess the exact cause of the collapse and identify any structural shortcomings that may have been overlooked.

Authorities are particularly interested in verifying whether Desai had created a monumental sculpture for the first time, as this information could shed light on any potential oversights in the idol's creation. As the investigation continues, the police are examining CCTV footage and other evidence from the workshop and the procession route to ascertain whether the collapse was due to a structural defect, faulty installation, or negligence on the part of those involved in making or transporting the idol.

Written by urgent.news from The Indian Express's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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