A report in this paper about the government stepping in to handle the crowds at Lalbaugcha Raja is a step in the right direction. And, about time, too. The Lalbaugcha Raja mandal members are known to be notorious for manhandling devotees. There are numerous videos that show devotees' heads shoved towards the Ganesh idol's feet and then roughly pushed aside to make way for the next devotee, all within seconds.

During the Ganeshotsav festivities in September this year, a police officer posted for bandobast at Lalbaugcha Raja, was manhandled by a resident of the area. While the resident had a pass, he had been forcibly trying to take his relatives into the pandal, which the police officer was right to object to. Violence and tempers running high are endemic during such festivities. There is very little piety or patience on display.