Shocking snake stunts at Ganesh festival in Tarnaka led to police custody

Hyderabad: In a shocking turn of events, some organisers of the Vinayaka Mandap in Vijayapuri Colony, Tarnaka, Hyderabad, opted for a disturbing display during the Ganesh immersion ceremony. They brought in individuals dressed as agoras who performed unsettling stunts with snakes, causing significant distress among devotees.
The organisers decision to incorporate such a spectacle was met with widespread condemnation. The event drew significant attention when a video of the snake-handling agoras went viral, resulting comments from the public criticising the stunt as disturbing and suggesting it constituted animal cruelty.
Upon learning of the incident, Lalaguda police intervened promptly. They caught both the agoras and the organisers and took them into custody. This action aligns with the strict guidelines previously issued for Ganesh Festival organisers in the city.
Hyderabad City Police had earlier established a set of precautionary measures for Ganesh Mandap installations. According to these guidelines, no permanent structures should be constructed for Ganesh idols.
Idols are not to be placed on public roads, pavements, or similar locations. Temporary Mandaps must be built with high-quality materials to withstand heavy crowds, wind, and rain, and roofs should be covered with tarpaulins. Additionally, precautions are required to prevent animals from entering the Mandap area.
The guidelines also stipulate that loud music and the use of loudspeakers must cease by 10 p.m. to avoid disturbing neighbours, students, and individuals who are unwell.
In light of recent events, residents are urged to report any incidents of cruelty towards snakes or any harm to snakes. For reporting, the following emergency contact numbers are available:
Greater Hyderabad Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GHSPCA):
General Contact: 88867-43881, Coordinator: 93945-78568, Telangana Forest Department: 1800-425-5364.