Source: The Hindu
CHENNAI, INDIA, August 31, 2001: A youth was drowned and two others were reported missing at sea while attempting to immerse a Ganesa icon, giving Friday’s Vinayaka Chathurthi procession a tragic dimension. Eyewitnesses said a group of youth ventured into the sea about 4:30 p.m. to immerse a medium-sized idol at the Seerani Arangam, when a strong undertow dragged two fifteen-year-olds away. Prem Kumar (19) and another person went to their rescue, but were also caught in the current. While the second person was rescued, Prem was drowned and his body recovered a few km away. Several youths, who formed part of the processions from different parts, were seen hurling small icons from the shores, without any consideration for those standing in knee-deep water. This they went on doing despite police cautions asking them not to venture into the sea following the report of the drowning. Likewise, youth from the neighboring slums risked their lives and salvaged the wooden sticks on which the icons were rested. Otherwise, the procession, organized by the Hindu Makkal Katchi and allied groups was incident-free.