Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Two Dead in Two Days After Ganesh Procession Clashes
Two people have died in separate fights connected to Ganesh Chaturthi processions in Tamil Nadu.
The first death happened in Chennai after two groups argued about the procession route.
Srinivasan was allegedly hit in the chest and later died in a hospital.
The second death happened in Cuddalore district after two village groups argued during a procession.
Ramu was trying to stop the fight when he was allegedly hit with a metal rod.
He was taken to a hospital but doctors could not save him.
Police said the Cuddalore death did not appear to be planned.
Police are investigating both incidents and have sent officers to areas where tensions remain.
Ramu was killed in Cuddalore district while trying to separate youths involved in a clash after a Ganesh Chaturthi procession.
The dispute began after groups from Keelkarapattu and Melkarapattu immersed idols at Devanampattinam beach on Wednesday.
Police said Ramu was allegedly struck with a rod that had been taken from him during the fight.
A separate procession-related dispute in Chennai led to the death of Srinivasan one day earlier.
Police have deployed personnel in Cuddalore and are investigating both incidents and identifying those involved.
- Who
- Ramu and Srinivasan died in separate incidents involving groups disputing Ganesh Chaturthi processions; police are investigating.
- What
- Two people died after clashes linked to Ganesh Chaturthi processions in Tamil Nadu.
- When
- The deaths occurred on two consecutive days; the Cuddalore procession and immersion took place on Wednesday.
- Where
- The incidents occurred in Chennai and in the villages of Keelkarapattu and Melkarapattu in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu.
- Why
- The reported disputes involved a procession route in Chennai and an argument between village groups during and after an idol immersion in Cuddalore.
Police Account
Reported Incident Accounts
Nature of the Cuddalore death
Police Account
Police said the killing was not planned and occurred after a clash escalated.
Reported Incident Accounts
The report says Ramu was allegedly attacked with a rod after trying to separate those fighting; police are still investigating who was involved.
Immediate causes of the disputes
Police Account
Police are investigating the circumstances and have not announced a final determination of responsibility.
Reported Incident Accounts
The reported accounts attribute the disputes to an argument between village groups in Cuddalore and a disagreement over the procession route in Chennai.
- Deaths
- Two people died in separate procession-related clashes over two days.
- Cuddalore victim
- Ramu was allegedly struck with a rod while trying to separate people fighting.
- Chennai victim
- Srinivasan allegedly suffered a blow to the chest during a later confrontation.
- Procession location
- The Cuddalore groups immersed their Ganesh idols at Devanampattinam beach.
- Villages involved
- Keelkarapattu and Melkarapattu.
- Police response
- Police were deployed in both Cuddalore villages and are investigating the incidents.
- Official assessment
- A senior police officer said the Cuddalore killing was not a planned murder, but resulted from a clash.