Overview
- Varanasi’s administration ordered an inquiry after reports that a structure linked to Devi Ahilyabai Holkar was razed during Manikarnika Ghat redevelopment, with the probe to verify the statue’s identity.
- Local demonstrators led by Pal community leader Mahendra Pal Pintu alleged a nearly 100-year-old idol was removed or damaged and demanded reinstallation at the original spot.
- District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar said no temple was harmed, artworks embedded in walls were affected during step reconstruction, and recovered idols and artefacts are secured by the Culture Department for later reinstallation.
- The Khasgi Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Charities Trust claimed multiple effigies were damaged, announced plans for legal action and recovery, and descendant Yeshwantrao Holkar visited Varanasi to seek restoration.
- Authorities cautioned against viral misinformation, including AI-generated videos, as protests spread to Indore where Congress leaders condemned the redevelopment activity as an attack on heritage.