Police caution Vinayaka Chavithi committees not to hype ‘annadanam’ events on social media

The city police have strongly appealed to committees organising Vinayaka Chavithi celebrations not to publicise ‘annadanam programmes’ through social media reels, cautioning that such publicity could draw crowds far beyond the organisers’ capacity and create difficulties in crowd management and food distribution.

The appeal comes in the wake of an incident at Kobbari Thota on September 19, when thousands of people reportedly turned up for an ‘annadanam’ programme. The organisers were unable to cater adequately to the large crowd. The food distribution was arranged in narrow lanes, leaving inadequate space for the movement and management of devotees.

The large gathering resulted in crowding and pushing among the devotees. The congestion in the narrow lanes, and limited ventilation caused discomfort to some people. The police subsequently registered a case at the II Town Police station in connection with the incident, including against those responsible for publicising the programme.