Jabalpur: Ganesha Idol Sculptor Shot Dead, Police Suspect Old Enmity Behind Murder

September 5, 2026

Jabalpur: A 48-year-old Ganesha idol sculptor was allegedly shot dead by two to three unidentified youths in the Bhantalaiya Sindhi Camp area of Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur district, police said on Saturday.

The incident took place between 2 am and 3 am in the intervening night of Friday and Saturday. The deceased was identified as Babba alias Manoj Sonkar, who had been making idols in the area during the festive season for several years.

Sculptor shot after stepping out for a break

According to police, Sonkar was working on a Lord Ganesha idol at a makeshift pandal near his home on Friday night.

After completing the idol, he stepped outside the pandal for a break. At that time, two to three youths allegedly arrived on a motorcycle and opened fire at him before fleeing the spot.

A bullet hit Sonkar in the abdomen.

People involved in idol-making work nearby heard the sound of gunfire and rushed to the spot. They took Sonkar to Hanumantal police station, following which police shifted him to the district hospital.

Doctors attempted to save him, but he succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

Police suspect old enmity behind killing

ASP Ayush Jakhar reached the spot with his team after receiving information about the shooting. He said a preliminary investigation suggested that old enmity could be behind the murder.

Jakhar said Sonkar had a long-standing dispute with Shubham Maratha and a few other people. However, the victim’s family has also been unable to ascertain the exact reason behind the shooting, he said.

Police suspect that three to four people may have been involved in the crime. Their individual roles and the exact circumstances leading to the shooting will be established during the investigation.

CCTV footage, technical evidence being examined

Police teams are examining CCTV footage from areas surrounding the crime scene and questioning eyewitnesses to identify the suspected assailants.

Technical evidence is also being analysed to trace the accused, police said.

The police have inspected the crime scene and begun collecting evidence. CCTV cameras installed near the spot are being checked to establish the movement of the suspected assailants.

Eyewitnesses and people familiar with Sonkar are also being questioned as part of the investigation.

Police said efforts were underway to identify the accused and establish the motive behind the killing. Further details are awaited.