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Ayodhya Navratri Crisis: Sculptor Flees, Leaving 105 Durga Idols Unfinished; Committees Panic.
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News18•28-09-2026, 15:37
Ayodhya Navratri Crisis: Sculptor Flees, Leaving 105 Durga Idols Unfinished; Committees Panic.
- •A sculptor, Uttam Pal, has fled Ayodhya, leaving 105 Durga idols 80% unfinished just before Navratri, causing panic among puja committees.
- •The Central Durga Puja Committee has filed a police complaint, as 50% to 80% advance payment was made for the idols.
- •Uttam Pal had been making idols in Ayodhya for 25-30 years and had numerous Ganesh and Durga Puja idol orders this year.
- •Police traced Pal's last known location near Vikramjot and have contacted officials in his home district of West Bengal.
- •Another sculptor, Sandeep Prajapati, has agreed to complete the unfinished idols, with authorities ensuring timely completion for the upcoming festivities.
Key Questions Answered
Panic erupted because the main sculptor, Uttam Pal, suddenly fled during the night, leaving behind about 105 unfinished Durga idols.
There were approximately 105 unfinished idols left behind, and most of them are already about 80 percent complete.
Another sculptor named Sandeep Prajapati has agreed to come forward to finish the remaining work on the idols.
