Hanuman idol damaged in MP's Sidhi after infant grandson's death, man booked
Synopsis
A grieving grandfather in Madhya Pradesh's Sidhi allegedly smashed a Hanuman idol hours after his one-month-old grandson died — the same temple where the family had prayed for the infant's survival. Police have booked him under BNS provisions on outraging religious feelings, even as they acknowledge he acted under extreme emotional distress.
Key Takeaways
Rambhuvan Dwivedi , 56, was booked on 15 July for allegedly damaging a Hanuman idol in Balhaya village , Sidhi district, Madhya Pradesh.
His one-month-old grandson died at around 8 pm on Monday after being admitted to Sidhi District Hospital's ICU on 4 July with pneumonia.
The family had vowed to hold a community feast and prayers at the same temple if the infant recovered.
A case was registered under Sections 298 and 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) .
Police say the situation in the village is peaceful and counselling will be provided to the bereaved family.
A 56-year-old man was booked on Tuesday, 15 July for allegedly damaging an idol of Lord Hanuman at a temple in Balhaya village, Sidhi district, Madhya Pradesh, following the death of his one-month-old grandson, police confirmed. The accused, Rambhuvan Dwivedi, was reportedly in a state of severe emotional distress when the incident took place at a temple situated on his ancestral property.
Background: A Family's Prayer and a Tragic Loss
According to police, Dwivedi's infant grandson had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Sidhi District Hospital on 4 July after contracting pneumonia. The family, described by villagers as deeply religious, had prayed for the child's recovery and vowed to organise a community feast, bhajan-kirtan, and special prayers at the Hanuman temple if the infant survived.
The child's condition, however, deteriorated during treatment. He died at around 8 pm on Monday, and his body was brought back to Balhaya village later that night.
What Happened at the Temple
On Tuesday morning, Dwivedi allegedly went to the Hanuman temple on his ancestral land and damaged the idol before being found sitting nearby in an emotionally disturbed state. Villagers noticed the broken idol and alerted police, who arrived promptly, inspected the site, and recorded statements from local residents.
'Prima facie, the incident appears to have taken place when the accused was under severe emotional distress following the death of his grandson. However, a case has been registered and further investigation is underway,' said Pushpendra Singh, in-charge of the Sihawal police outpost.
Legal Action Taken
Authorities have registered a case against Dwivedi under Sections 298 and 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deal with acts intended to outrage religious feelings by insulting religion or religious beliefs. The damaged idol has since been removed from the temple premises.
Situation Remains Peaceful
'The law will take its course. We are investigating all aspects of the incident. At present, the situation is completely under control and no untoward incident has been reported,' Singh added. Police said counselling and necessary support would be extended to the bereaved family while the investigation continues. Villagers described Dwivedi as being in a state of shock following the infant's death, and noted the family had placed great faith in Lord Hanuman for the child's recovery.
As the investigation proceeds, authorities say they are examining all circumstances surrounding the incident, including the accused's state of mind at the time.
Point of View
Faith, and the law. The accused's family had made a religious vow at the very temple he allegedly damaged — a detail that underscores the depth of his anguish rather than any premeditated intent to offend. Charging a bereaved grandfather under provisions designed to curb deliberate religious incitement raises questions about proportionality. Police have acknowledged the emotional context, yet the law leaves little room for discretion once a complaint is filed. How investigators and courts weigh intent against grief in cases like this will matter beyond Sidhi.
NationPress
14 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Rambhuvan Dwivedi booked in Sidhi?
Rambhuvan Dwivedi, a 56-year-old resident of Balhaya village in Sidhi district, was booked for allegedly damaging a Hanuman idol at a temple on his ancestral property on 15 July, hours after his one-month-old grandson died. Police registered a case under BNS Sections 298 and 299, which deal with outraging religious feelings.
What led to the incident at the Balhaya village temple?
Dwivedi's infant grandson had been hospitalised with pneumonia since 4 July and died at around 8 pm on Monday. The family had prayed at the Hanuman temple and vowed to organise a community feast and special prayers if the child survived. Following the death, Dwivedi allegedly went to the temple the next morning and damaged the idol while in a state of emotional distress.
What charges have been filed against the accused?
A case has been registered against Dwivedi under Sections 298 and 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertain to acts intended to outrage religious feelings by insulting religion or religious beliefs. Investigation is ongoing.
Is the situation in Balhaya village under control?
Yes. Police confirmed that the situation in the village remains completely peaceful and no untoward incident has been reported. The damaged idol has been removed from the temple, and authorities are providing counselling to the bereaved family.
What did police say about the accused's state of mind?
Sihawal police outpost in-charge Pushpendra Singh stated that prima facie the incident appeared to have occurred when Dwivedi was under severe emotional distress following his grandson's death. Villagers also described him as being in a state of shock at the time.
