Hyderabad Police Reject Viral Claims of Gold-Coated Ganesha Idol
Hyderabad police have dismissed viral claims that a Ganesh idol in Begum Bazaar was coated in 24-carat gold and studded with diamonds.
A Ganesh idol that drew crowds to Begum Bazaar's Feelkhana during Hyderabad's festivities has become the centre of a social media controversy after police rejected claims about its make and decoration.
The idol, publicised as "Lee Chee Ka Raja Ganesh 2026," gained attention after posts described it as a 48-kg Panchaloha Ganesha coated with 24-carat gold and decorated with 3,83,800 American diamonds. It was dubbed the "Golden Ganesha" and said to be inspired by Mumbai's Lalbaugcha Raja and Tirupati Balaji, crafted by artisans as a special offering for devotees.
Photos and videos of the glittering idol spread quickly across WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and X, amplifying the claims.
Goshamahal police have now called the claims "false and misleading." Inspector B. Sravan Kumar said the idol, which falls within the police station's jurisdiction, was "not made with the materials or in the manner claimed" in the viral messages. He specifically denied that it was coated with 24-carat gold.
Police further alleged that some organisers linked to the "Lee Chee Ka Raja Ganesh" celebrations publicised the claims to promote the commercial interests of Lee Chee Pearls and Jewels and to gain undue advantage by creating a false impression about the idol.
Urging the public not to believe or forward unverified information, police advised people to rely only on official and verified sources. The episode has turned an eye-catching idol into a social media controversy, with authorities asking devotees to focus on the festival and help curb the spread of rumours and misleading content.