{
  "id": 8182559,
  "title": "Police debunk ‘24-karat gold-plated’ Ganesh idol claims in Hyderabad’s Goshamahal",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/police-debunk-24-karat-gold-plated-ganesh-idol-claims-in-hyderabads",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-18T05:41:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/police-debunk-24-karat-gold-plated-ganesh-idol-claims-in-hyderabads-goshamahal/article71477799.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Recently circulating on social media claimed that the 'Lee Chee Ka Raja Ganesh – 2026' idol in Hyderabad's Goshamahal was made from Panchaloha – a metal alloy including gold, copper, silver and zinc – and plated with 24-karat gold. It was further alleged that the idol was adorned with approximately 3.84 lakh American diamonds, weighed around 48 kg, and demonstrated a high level of craftsmanship. However, in a statement released on Thursday, September 17, 2026, the Goshamahal police debunked these claims, stating that the idol was neither made of Panchaloha nor did it possess a 24-karat gold plating. They also rejected the claim that it was studded with nearly 3.84 lakh American diamonds. The police expressed their concern that such exaggerated and unverified claims could lead to public confusion and generate unnecessary attention. The statement specifically mentioned that some committee members and organizers linked to the 'Lee Chee Ka Raja Ganesh' idol were alleged to have circulated these claims with the intent of promoting commercial interests and gaining wrongful benefits. The police strongly advised the public not to believe or forward unverified information about the idol on various social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. They also emphasized the need for the public to rely on verified information and exercise caution before disseminating such content. Goshamahal Police Inspector B. Sravan Kumar urged citizens to refrain from sharing unverified claims about the idol and appealed to everyone to refrain from spreading false or misleading information during the Ganesh festival.",
  "summary": "The police alleged that the publicity was intended to promote the commercial interests of Lee Chee Pearls and Jewels",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Hindustan Times",
        "title": "Stones pelted at Ganesh idol procession, mosque in Bhatkal, say police",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/stones-pelted-at-ganesh-idol-procession-mosque-in-bhatkal-say-police",
        "published": "2026-09-18T02:26:30.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}