Archive · 14 Sep 2026
Neemuch Ganesh Idol Artisan Missing, Organisers Await Pre-Booked Murtis
Ganesh idol maker Govind Pal has gone missing from his workshop in Neemuch.
People had already ordered idols from him for the Ganesh festival.
Some idols are finished, but others still need painting or other work.
Organisers from several places went to the workshop after hearing he was missing.
They were worried they might not receive their idols in time.
Some people said there was an argument at the workshop the night before.
Police have not confirmed that anyone fought.
Police are trying to find Pal and investigate what happened.
Ganesh idol artisan Govind Pal reportedly went missing from his workshop near D-Mart on Mhow Road in Neemuch.
Organisers from Neemuch, Nathdwara and Bhilwara gathered at the workshop after learning of his disappearance.
Some organisers alleged a Saturday-night dispute involving Pal, his staff and a Bhilwara pandal group.
Police have not confirmed reports of a physical altercation and are investigating claims involving advance payments.
Dozens of idols remain at the workshop, while organisers collect completed idols and worry about unfinished orders.
- Who
- Ganesh idol artisan Govind Pal, festival organisers, his staff and Neemuch Cantt police.
- What
- Pal has gone missing, leaving pre-booked Ganesh idols at his workshop and prompting police inquiries.
- When
- The alleged dispute occurred on Saturday night; organisers gathered at the workshop on Sunday morning.
- Where
- Pal’s rented workshop plot near D-Mart on Mhow Road, within Neemuch Cantt police station limits in Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh.
- Why
- The reported disappearance has raised concerns because organisers had paid advances and need completed idols before Ganeshotsav.
Organisers’ concerns
Police’s confirmed position
What happened at the workshop
Organisers’ concerns
Some organisers alleged that a dispute occurred on Saturday night and that Pal and his associates left after a possible physical altercation.
Police’s confirmed position
Police have not officially confirmed any physical altercation and are investigating the circumstances of Pal’s disappearance.
Advance payments and orders
Organisers’ concerns
Some organisers alleged that Pal collected advance payments and left without completing their idol orders.
Police’s confirmed position
Police have acknowledged the allegations as part of their investigation but have not confirmed them.
- Missing person
- Govind Pal, a Ganesh idol artisan
- Location
- Workshop near D-Mart, Mhow Road, Neemuch
- Police jurisdiction
- Neemuch Cantt police station
- Affected organisers
- Organisers from Neemuch, Nathdwara and Bhilwara
- Workshop status
- Dozens of idols remain, with several needing finishing and painting
- Police action
- Police are trying to locate Pal through his mobile number and other contacts
- Festival deadline
- Organisers are awaiting idols ahead of Ganeshotsav