A disturbing incident involving desecration of murtis of Hindu gods and insults directed at Hindu beliefs has come to light from Nalasopara in Maharashtra’s Palghar district. The controversy erupted after a Christian nurse residing in a hostel was accused of repeatedly removing murtis of Bhagwan Ganesha and Radha-Krishna from a prayer area, placing them on a footwear stand and making derogatory remarks about Hindu gods.
The incident has led to the registration of an FIR at Nalasopara Police Station under Sections 298 and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The case has also drawn the attention of Hindu organisations, which have demanded immediate legal action against the accused.
Religious tensions surface inside hostel
According to the complaint, the incident occurred inside a hostel located in Sector 06 of Nalasopara, where several working professionals, including healthcare workers, reside.
Harshad Patil, a resident of the hostel, had established a small prayer space inside the room where murtis of Bhagwan Ganesha and Radha-Krishna were placed and worshipped regularly. According to the complaint, the prayer area had existed peacefully until the end of May 2026, when a Christian nurse residing within the same hostel premises began objecting to the presence of the temple.
The complainant alleged that the nurse frequently entered the area around the room, expressed displeasure over the presence of the murtis and repeatedly created disturbances. The complaint further states that she would sing objectionable songs and make remarks directed at the prayer space.
As tensions escalated, hostel residents became concerned about the increasingly hostile atmosphere developing around the place of worship.
Shocking incident of religious hatred in Nerul, Navi Mumbai! A Christian nurse deliberately desecrated Hindu idols thrice & gave open threats.
Secularism shouldn’t mean staying silent on the insult of Hindu deities. Requesting authorities to take stringent action and arrest the… pic.twitter.com/lGmPVOQFti
— Sunil Ghanwat 🛕🛕 (@SG_HJS) June 10, 2026
Murtis found on footwear stand
The controversy reached a flashpoint on June 5, 2026.
According to the complaint, Harshad Patil returned from work that day and was shocked to discover that the murtis of Bhagwan Ganesha and Radha-Krishna had been removed from the prayer area and placed on a stand used for keeping footwear. The murtis had also been toppled.
The sight reportedly caused deep distress among the residents, who viewed the act as a deliberate insult to their religious beliefs.
When confronted regarding the incident, the accused nurse reportedly responded by saying, “I am a Christian. I don’t want any god in front of me. I do not believe in your gods.”
The statement, recorded in the complaint, further intensified tensions within the hostel and prompted residents to seek intervention from the management.
Notice issued, desecration repeated
Following complaints by residents, hostel management reportedly took cognisance of the matter and issued a registered notice to the nurse on June 6.
However, according to the complaint, the warning did not deter her actions.
Later the same day, the nurse returned to the room under the pretext of collecting her belongings. Residents claim that she once again removed the idols from the prayer area, placed them on the footwear stand and toppled them.
The complaint states that the idols were subjected to similar treatment on three separate occasions.
Residents have alleged that despite being warned about the consequences of her actions, the accused repeatedly targeted the prayer space and sacred murtis.
The repeated nature of the incidents has become a central aspect of the police investigation.
Threats issued before leaving
The controversy did not end with the desecration.
According to the complaint, while leaving the hostel premises, the accused nurse threatened the complainant and warned that she would confront her outside the hostel and “show” her.
The threat heightened fears among residents and prompted them to seek legal intervention.
Concerned by the seriousness of the incident, the complainant approached social and religious organisations for assistance in pursuing the matter with law enforcement authorities.
Hindu Janajagruti Samiti intervenes
The matter subsequently came to the attention of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS), which became actively involved in assisting the complainant.
A delegation comprising Dr. Uday Dhuri, Mumbai In-charge of HJS, Raigad District Coordinator Pravin Patil, Nitai Chaudhary and Dattatray Sawant met senior police officials and urged immediate registration of a criminal case.
The delegation reportedly met Senior Police Inspector Ajay Kamble of Nalasopara Police Station and presented details of the complaint while seeking strict legal action.
The organisation described the incident as a serious insult to Hindu religious sentiments and called for prompt intervention by authorities.
FIR registered
Acting on the complaint and subsequent representations, Nalasopara Police registered FIR No. 0391 on June 9, 2026.
The FIR has been registered under Section 298 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with deliberate acts intended to wound religious feelings, and Section 351(2), relating to criminal intimidation.
Police records identify the location of the incident as a room in Sector 06, Nalasopara.
Investigators are now examining statements from residents, hostel authorities and other witnesses as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Following the registration of the FIR, the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti intensified its demand for immediate arrest of the accused nurse.
In a statement issued on June 9, the organisation said any delay in taking the accused into custody would be unacceptable and urged police to act swiftly.
The Samiti further stated that its Raigad district unit, along with other Hindu organisations, would continue monitoring the case until action is taken.
Representatives of the organisation have argued that incidents involving alleged insults to religious beliefs must be dealt with firmly to prevent recurrence and maintain communal harmony.
Investigation underway
Police have confirmed that the case is under investigation.
According to information provided by those involved in pursuing the complaint, the accused nurse was reportedly suspended by hospital authorities following the controversy. However, she has not yet been taken into custody.
Investigators are currently examining all aspects of the incident, including witness accounts, hostel records and other available evidence.
