Controversy Erupts Over Missing Diamond Offered to Renowned Bihariji Temple in Rajasthan
BHARATPUR, RAJASTHAN — A major controversy has erupted over the security of temple offerings and devotion at the famed Bihariji Temple in Bharatpur, following allegations that a valuable diamond worth approximately ₹3.65 lakh—offered by a prominent business family—has mysteriously gone missing.
The Sequence of Events
The dispute involves the family of Praveen Bansal, an oil mill owner residing in Ranjit Nagar, Bharatpur.
The Offering (December 2024): Meera Bansal, mother of Praveen Bansal, donated a high-value diamond to the then-priest, Manoj Bhardwaj, to be adorned as a nose ring (laung) on the idol of Lord Bihariji.
The Discovery (Six Months Later): Devotees visiting the temple noticed that the distinct shine of the diamond adorning the deity's idol was absent.
The Allegation: Upon closer inspection, the Bansal family alleged that the original diamond had been removed and replaced with either a fake or significantly less valuable substitute.
Growing Demands for Accountability
The alleged disappearance of the sacred diamond has sparked outrage among local devotees and frequent temple visitors. Calls are mounting for a thorough investigation into the temple's management and inventory practices to hold those responsible accountable and restore public trust in the administration of religious offerings.
