Stone idol of goddess goes missing from Bhanwarsen hill in Sidhi; priest suspects theft

A stone idol of a goddess was found missing on Tuesday morning from Bhanwarsen hill in Shikarganj village, under Rampur Naikin janpad panchayat in Sidhi district. Devotees fear it has been stolen.

The stone bearing the form of the goddess had first been seen on 15 October, during Navratri. After the news spread, large numbers of devotees began arriving from surrounding areas to pay their respects.

As the crowds grew, the administration banned access to the hill, citing its difficult path, deep gorge and the danger from wild animals. A team of the SDM, the Forest Department and police imposed the restriction on the route. Some devotees were nevertheless reaching the hill secretly.

At around 10 am on Tuesday, devotees who reached the hill found the idol gone. The news of its disappearance then spread through the surrounding area.

Chief priest Basant Lal Singh said people had told him that some people and police personnel had gone up the hill on Tuesday morning. The priest suspects that they removed the idol. He has demanded an inquiry into the entire matter and that the idol be traced.

According to the priest, a meeting with villagers will be held on Tuesday evening. The villagers will then submit a memorandum to the station house officer at Rampur Naikin police station and demand action.

Station house officer Abhishek Upadhyay said no one has so far filed a complaint in the matter. He said an inquiry will be conducted once a complaint is received.