Two Killed in Two Days as Ganesh Chaturthi Clashes Rock Tamil Nadu

Two men have died in as many days in Tamil Nadu in separate clashes linked to Ganesh Chaturthi processions, with the latest killing reported from Cuddalore district.

According to police, youths from the neighbouring villages of Keelkarapattu and Melkarapattu took Ganesh idols in separate mini-trucks to Devanampattinam beach in Cuddalore for immersion on Wednesday. An argument broke out between the two groups during the procession, after which they returned to their respective villages.

A meeting was later convened in Keelkarapattu to discuss the dispute. The situation escalated into a clash, and Ramu, a resident of Keelkarapattu who was trying to separate those fighting, was attacked. Police said he was carrying a rod that was snatched from him during the scuffle and used to strike him, causing him to fall with serious injuries. He was taken to the Government Hospital in Panruti, where doctors declared him dead.

A senior police officer said the killing did not appear to be premeditated. "It was not a planned murder, but things went horribly wrong after clashes during the Ganesh Chaturthi procession. We are investigating," the officer said.

Police have been deployed in both villages amid tension. Ramu's body has been kept at the Panruti government hospital for post-mortem examination, and investigators are working to identify those involved.

The Cuddalore death came a day after a similar killing in Chennai. In Ramapuram's Venkateshwara Nagar, a dispute broke out between two groups over the route of a Ganesh procession. Police intervened and the groups dispersed, but another confrontation erupted later that night.

Srinivasan, who was present during the confrontation, was allegedly struck in the chest and collapsed. He was taken to hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Police are investigating that case as well.