Surat: An idol of Mahatma Gandhi dumped in the godown amidst dusts and cobwebs in a Gujarat village for the last 45 years was unearthed recently.

The idol was locked in the Olpad Taluka Panchayat office  godown. Amidst celebrations on the 139th birth anniversary of the Mahatma yesterday, this news has perturbed many people.

Congress workers had brought the idol from Umrachchi village 45 years ago and wanted to place it in front of the office. Chandrakant Solanki, a Panchayat officer, said ignorance of the idol couldn't be justified. "It is surprising that none of the officials ever thought of giving due respect to the idol," Solanki said.