Junagadh priest, photographer arrested for Girnar temple idol vandalism

Junagadh | Gujarat — Junagadh police have arrested two suspects in connection with the Girnar temple idol vandalism at Gorakhnath Shikhar temple. The accused — temple priest Kishore Shivnandas Kukreja and local photographer Ramesh Hargovind Bhatt — confessed that they planned the incident to attract attention and increase temple footfall.

The duo allegedly used an iron rod to break temple glass, tampered with the lock, and threw the approximately 50-kg Gorakhnath idol into the valley. Forensic evidence later confirmed that the idol could not have passed through the broken glass alone, which became a key clue for investigators.

Specialised police teams investigate temple crime

The act drew nationwide attention, prompting the deployment of SOG, LCB, and specialised Junagadh police teams. Investigators scrutinised CCTV footage, mobile phones, and the temple premises, noting that only one side of the glass was broken and the lock tampered with. These observations guided police toward uncovering the true sequence of events.

Confessions reveal motive behind vandalism

Police said Bhatt initially tried to mislead authorities but later admitted his involvement. Kukreja, a salaried priest for over two years, reportedly skimmed temple donations and staged the incident to gain media coverage, social media attention, and ultimately attract more devotees to the temple.

“Kukreja believed that press and social media coverage would boost the temple’s visibility, indirectly benefiting him,” said Junagadh SP Subodh Odedra.

Detailed planning and execution uncovered

During interrogation, Bhatt revealed that Kukreja planned the incident in advance. On October 4, after evening aarti, Kukreja struck the temple glass while Bhatt watched. Later, the priest used a key to open the lock, and together they lifted the idol and threw it into the valley. Kukreja instructed Bhatt to feign ignorance and report the idol as stolen the next morning.

Police noted that Kukreja had accompanied them during earlier inspections, trying to appear innocent. Careful investigation eventually unraveled the full plan and deception behind the incident.

Both Ramesh Bhatt of Murlidhar Apartments, Junagadh, and Kishore Kukreja, priest at Gorakhnath Shikhar, have been arrested for further action.