Mumbai Police Arrested a Priest in Mumbai for Dressing Kali Idol as Mother Mary

Outrage Erupts Across Hindutva Groups as Temple Priest Alters Kali Idol into Mother Mary

A major controversy has surfaced in one of Mumbai's Kali Mata temples. The idol of Maa Kali was reportedly dressed as Mother Mary. This incident has sparked outrage among Hindutva groups and devotees. 

The locals filed a complaint against the temple priest. The Chembur police have arrested the priest to further investigate and find out if the act was a part of any bigger conspiracy.

Priest's Claim of Divine Instruction

The priest, identified as Ramesh Yogeshwar, was questioned by devotees about the idol's altered look. He claimed that the Hindu Goddess Kali Mata had appeared in his dream and instructed him to “adorn her in the form of Mother Mary." This explanation failed to satisfy many visitors and members of local religious organizations. Even after repeated questioning, the priest kept insisting that he was acting upon direct instructions from the goddess herself.

The unusual attire included golden robes, a large crown, and a prominent golden cross, while the face of the deity, which is traditionally dark in colour, had been painted white. Additionally, the idol was shown holding a child figure in her arms, presumed to represent baby Jesus. 

Police Investigation and Restoration of Deity

Devotees were speechless when they noticed that the Kali Mata idol’s attire had been altered to resemble Mother Mary in the Chembur temple. They immediately contacted the local police about this, and RCF police reached the spot after the unusual sight sparked tension and anger. Ramesh, the accused priest, was turned in to the police by members of local groups.

Upon the arrest, a case was filed under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against the priest for hurting the religious feelings of a community. The priest was arrested and later produced before a local court. He was then remanded to two days of police custody for further investigation.

The police officials have seized the new attire of the goddess, and locals subsequently performed rituals to restore the goddess's original form. Authorities are now investigating whether there was any organized motive behind the incident.