Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Police Reject Gold Claims About Hyderabad’s Viral Ganesha Idol
A Ganesha idol in Hyderabad became very popular online during the festival.
Posts said it weighed 48 kilograms and was made of Panchaloha.
They also said it was covered in 24-carat gold and decorated with many American diamonds.
Pictures and videos spread across several social media platforms.
Police later said these claims were false and misleading.
An inspector said the idol was not made in the way described online.
Police also alleged that some organisers promoted the claims to help a jewellery business.
They asked people not to forward information that has not been checked.
The police want devotees to enjoy the festival without spreading rumours.
Social media posts described the 48-kilogram idol as Panchaloha coated with 24-carat gold.
The posts also claimed it was decorated with 3,83,800 American diamonds.
Photos and videos circulated widely on WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Goshamahal police called the claims false and misleading and denied the gold-coating claim.
Police alleged the publicity was intended to promote Lee Chee Pearls and Jewels’ commercial interests.
- Who
- Goshamahal police, including Inspector B. Sravan Kumar, clarified claims about the idol and referred to organisers associated with the celebrations.
- What
- Police denied viral claims that the Ganesha idol was a 48-kilogram Panchaloha statue coated with 24-carat gold and decorated with 3,83,800 American diamonds.
- When
- The clarification was issued during the Ganesh festivities; the viral posts referred to the idol as “Lee Chee Ka Raja Ganesh 2026.”
- Where
- The idol was displayed in Feelkhana, in Hyderabad’s Begum Bazaar, within Goshamahal police station’s jurisdiction.
- Why
- Police said the claims were false and misleading and alleged that they were publicised to promote the commercial interests of Lee Chee Pearls and Jewels.
Viral Claims
Police Clarification
Idol’s materials
Viral Claims
Social media posts described the idol as a 48-kilogram Panchaloha Ganesha coated with 24-carat gold.
Police Clarification
Goshamahal police said the idol was not made with the materials or in the manner claimed and specifically denied that it was coated with 24-carat gold.
Decorations
Viral Claims
Viral messages claimed the idol was decorated with 3,83,800 American diamonds.
Police Clarification
Police rejected the broader description of the idol as presented in the viral messages and called the claims misleading.
Purpose of publicity
Viral Claims
The online posts presented the idol as a special offering inspired by Mumbai’s Lalbaugcha Raja and Tirupati Balaji.
Police Clarification
Police alleged that some organisers publicised the claims to promote Lee Chee Pearls and Jewels’ commercial interests and gain undue advantage.
- Location
- Feelkhana, Begum Bazaar, Hyderabad
- Idol name used online
- Lee Chee Ka Raja Ganesh 2026
- Claimed weight
- 48 kilograms
- Claimed material
- Panchaloha coated with 24-carat gold
- Claimed decoration
- 3,83,800 American diamonds
- Police position
- The claims are false and misleading
- Police advice
- Rely on official, verified sources and avoid forwarding unverified information