As part of Vinayakar Chathurthi celebration in the city, colourful idols, which were taken in a procession amid heavy security, were immersed in the Vaigai on Sunday.
Police said that around 175 idols — small and big — were taken for immersion. The idols, which had been installed at various ‘pandals’ put up by the Hindu Munnani, were brought to East Masi Street as early as 11 a.m. The idols placed on tricycles and cargo vehicles were lined up from Vilakuthoon to East Masi Street. The Hindu Munnani organised a function at 4.30 p.m. before the procession commenced in East Masi Street.
The procession, which began at 5.30 p.m., went through the four Masi streets, Old Chokkanathar Temple Street and Thaikkal Street before reaching the Vaigai where the idols were immersed at 8.30 p.m. Traffic was diverted from the procession route since 4 p.m. and entry of heavy vehicles into East Masi Street where the idols were stationed was banned by the city police. More than 300 police personnel led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Samanth Rohan Rajendra had been deputed to ensure that the procession moved smoothly.
Minor incidentA flutter was caused when a minor altercation ensued between a police constable and a volunteer during the procession. Police sources said that the volunteers had been asked to move faster by a police constable which resulted in an altercation.
Though there were rumours of a lathi charge, no such incident was reported and the police said that the procession was otherwise peaceful.
