Sculptor shot dead in Jabalpur while making Ganesha idols

A 48-year-old sculptor, identified as Manoj Sonkar (also known as Babba), was shot dead in the Hanumantal police station area of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. The incident occurred during the early hours of Saturday while Sonkar was working on Lord Ganesha idols for the upcoming festive season.

According to police, two to three unidentified assailants on a motorcycle approached the workshop and opened fire. Sonkar was struck in the abdomen and, despite being rushed to a district hospital by local residents and fellow artisans, succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

Preliminary investigations by the Jabalpur police suggest the murder may be linked to an old personal enmity or long-standing dispute involving an individual named Shubham Maratha. Authorities are currently reviewing CCTV footage and analyzing technical evidence to identify and apprehend the suspects.