Vasai: Several Ganesh idols immersed in an artificial pond were allegedly found dumped near the jetty at Vasai Fort on Wednesday night, sparking outrage among residents. Local activists have demanded strict action against those responsible.Locals found that idols lying scattered near the jetty and alerted Vasai police and the civic administration, who visited the spot.Local Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Datta Jadhav alleged that dumping the idols had hurt the sentiments of devotees and demanded strict action. Assistant municipal commissioner of Prabhag Samiti A Sangeeta Ghadigaonkar said the idols appeared to have come from an artificial immersion pond. She said the civic body would ascertain where they had been immersed and how they reached the fort area before taking action.BJP group leader Ashok Shelke alleged that idols immersed in another artificial pond near the Vasai court were removed using a garbage collection vehicle after the contractor allegedly drained the pond water into a drain.Shelke alleged that idols from the pond had remained in the water for days and were removed only after the matter was brought to the civic body’s notice. He demanded action against the contractor and alleged that child labourers were being used to remove idols from artificial ponds.DCP (Zone II) Ashok Virkar, however, said the idols found near the jetty had not been dumped there, but were washed ashore.
