Police debunk ‘24-karat gold-plated’ Ganesh idol claims in Hyderabad’s Goshamahal

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Claims circulating on social media that the ‘Lee Chee Ka Raja Ganesh – 2026’ idol in Goshamahal, Hyderabad, was made of Panchaloha, plated with 24-karat gold and studded with nearly 3.84 lakh American diamonds are false and misleading, Goshamahal police said on Thursday (September 17, 2026).

The clarification came after photographs, videos and messages about the idol were widely shared on social media. The posts claimed that the idol weighed around 48 kg, was crafted from five metals, had a 24-karat gold-plated finish and was studded with 3,83,800 American diamonds.

The police said the idol was not made using the materials or in the manner claimed in the posts. They particularly rejected the repeatedly circulated claim that it had been plated with 24-karat gold.

According to police, some committee members and organisers associated with ‘Lee Chee Ka Raja Ganesh’ were allegedly involved in publicising the claims. The police alleged that the publicity was intended to promote the commercial interests of Lee Chee Pearls and Jewels and obtain wrongful gain by creating a false impression about the idol among the public.

The police said exaggerated and unverified claims about the idol’s composition and value could mislead people and generate unnecessary attention and confusion.

Goshamahal Police Inspector B. Sravan Kumar urged people to rely on verified information and exercise caution before forwarding material on social media. Police also appealed to the public to prevent the spread of false or misleading information during the Ganesh festival.

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