Girnar idol vandalism: Directive from Gandhinagar for swift action, UP CM Yogi seeks report

Gujarat is seeing widespread anger after the vandalism and desecration of an idol at the Gorakhnath temple on the sacred Girnar mountain in Junagadh. The state government has directed officials to take immediate and strict action against those responsible.

CM Bhupendra Patel calls for swift action

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel reportedly spoke to Junagadh Collector Anil Ranavasiya soon after the incident came to light and instructed him to ensure prompt investigation and action. Officials in Gandhinagar said the state government was monitoring the case closely.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who is associated with the Nath sect, also sought details of the incident and called for the culprits to be brought to justice.

Complaint filed by temple head, probe handed to LCB

According to officials, the incident has triggered outrage among saints and devotees. Mahant Yogi Somnathji Guru Rajnathji of the Gorakhnath temple lodged a police complaint against four unidentified individuals.

Junagadh Superintendent of Police Subodh Odedra and senior officials visited the site soon after the incident. The investigation has been handed over to the Local Crime Branch (LCB). Police teams are reviewing CCTV footage and questioning suspects, but no arrests have been made so far.

New idol installed temporarily

Following the act of vandalism, a new idol of Gorakhnathji was brought from an ashram in Kutch. In the presence of the district collector, superintendent of police, and other officials, the idol was temporarily installed amid Vedic chants.

Authorities said a formal pran-pratishtha ceremony, including a yajna and other rituals, would be held soon.

Public outrage and demand for justice

The incident has deeply hurt religious sentiments. Devotees and community members have demanded that the culprits be traced and punished at the earliest.

Officials said security has been tightened in and around the Girnar temple area to prevent any further untoward incidents.