Devotees at a Kali temple in Chembur’s Anik Village were shocked on Saturday, 22 November 2025, after discovering that the idol of the goddess had been altered to resemble Mother Mary, prompting swift police action and the arrest of the temple priest.
The incident took place at the Kali shrine located inside the Hindu cremation ground at Anik Village. Photographs circulating online show the traditionally dark-skinned Kali idol repainted in white, draped in golden robes, and adorned with a large crown featuring white embellishments. A prominent golden cross had been mounted atop the crown.
The idol had also been modified to depict the goddess holding a small child-like figure in her arms, believed to represent baby Jesus. The backdrop of the sanctum had been replaced with red cloth decorated with a large golden cross, flanked by fairy lights and tinsel on either side.
Police Restore Idol, Arrest Priest
Local residents alerted authorities after noticing the changes. Mumbai Police reached the spot and supervised the restoration of the idol to its original form to prevent tensions or misinformation from spreading.
The temple priest was detained, produced before a court on Sunday, and remanded to two days of police custody. Officials said he is being interrogated to determine his motive and whether any other individuals were involved in the act.
A case has been filed under Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which covers offences related to hurting religious sentiments and damaging a place of worship. Police officials said strict action would be initiated under the provision.
The vandalism triggered strong reactions from Hindu groups, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, which condemned the act and demanded that all those responsible be identified and prosecuted. The organisations called on the police and the Maharashtra government to ensure robust law-and-order measures to prevent communal tensions.
Mumbai Police said the investigation is ongoing and that further action will be taken based on the findings.
(Source: India Today)
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