Mumbai Crime Branch moves Navratri idol worship during demolition

A 3.5-foot panchadhatu goddess idol recovered in a 1989 theft investigation is being worshipped by the Mumbai Police Crime Branch through Navratri, but not at its usual venue this year.

The old Crime Branch building, where the rituals were traditionally held, is being demolished for a new building. The nine-day observance has therefore shifted to the ground floor of the building housing the Police Commissioner’s office.

The idol, made from a five-metal alloy, was seized along with other stolen property during the 1989 case and was initially kept in the police property room. It has been worshipped across all nine days of Navratri since 2004, with retired women police officers among those who take part.

On the ninth day, the Crime Branch plans havan and homa rituals followed by a Maha Aarti, which Police Commissioner Deven Bharti is expected to attend. Mahaprasad will be distributed to devotees. Outside Navratri, the idol is kept in the Crime Branch administrative department.