Surat: As Ganeshotsav festivities continue with great enthusiasm across Gujarat, incidents of theft have marred the celebrations in the Mahidharpura area of the city. Taking advantage of the festive rush, burglars struck at multiple Ganesh pandals last night, stealing silver idols, lamps, cash, and other items before fleeing.

The burglars attempted thefts in at least eight pandals in the Mahidharpura area, lifting silver idols, cash, and puja items. At one pandal, they even damaged a small idol of Lord Ganesha. In the morning, locals replaced the broken idol with a new one. The vandalism of idols deeply angered locals, who immediately reported the matter to the police.

Following the complaints, the crime branch and local police rushed to the spot and launched a swift investigation. CCTV footage from nearby areas helped officers track down the culprits within a matter of hours. Two accused were arrested near the station area, and the stolen items were recovered. Police have stepped up checking in sensitive localities to prevent further incidents.

DCP Raghav Jain also confirmed that the act was simple theft and did not have any intention to create religious tension. The arrested accused are Akash alias Tambo Govind Dantani and Sohil Sai Dantani, and the stolen goods have been recovered from them. DeshGujarat