6-Foot Ganesha Idol, Vandalised In Dantewada’s Dholkal By Naxals, Restored To Its Original Place

A 1000-year-old idol of Lord Ganesha in Chhattisgarh's insurgency-hit Dantewada district, which was misplaced from its original position atop a forested hill, has been restored to its place. The incident was reported by locals who found that the idol was missing.

The idol was vandalised by Naxals, the police have said. “During the search, the broken idol was found lying at around 1,000 feet down the hilltop. Probably it was pushed down from its place,” police said. An inquiry has been ordered by Tourism and Culture Minister Dayaldas Baghel.

According to the police, frequent movement of tourists has angered the Naxals and the insurgents can harm the idol again to disturb harmony in the region. Attempts to steal the idol have been ruled out by the administration. The idol, made during the time of Nagvanshi dynasty in the 9th or 10th century, is placed atop a ‘dhol’ shaped hill that lies 14 km inside the forest.