Greg Chappell survived the dubious distinction of being symbolised as a demon, as the Kolkata police on Thursday got the clay model of 'Mahisasura', resembling the Indian cricket coach, destroyed.
Dilip Pal, an artisan in Kolkata's Kumartuli area nearly finished his work -- Devi Durga annihilating asura Chappell -- when a team of cops, at the directive of Commissioner Prasun Mukherjee visited his studio to ask him to demolish the demon.
The idols were ordered by Deshbandhu Road Sarbojanin Durgotsab Committee, a north Kolkata organisation for community Durga puja, to be held next month.
The idea behind the asura being sought to be given a look like Chappell obviously stemmed from the controversy kicked up following the omission of former skipper Sourav Ganguly from the national side.
"We have decided to ensure that not a single demon resembles Chappell," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Headquarters) Pradip Chatterjee said.
Police would intervene if any puja community repeated the mistake of giving the demon a look like the Indian cricket coach.
"Greg Chappell is our national coach and any disparaging act might hurt the sentiment of the people," he said.
However, Pal said the police action made him suffer heavy loss. "The image was complete. Not only have I suffered financial loss, but it is also a big waste of my labour for so many days," he regretted.
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