By Smritika Banerjee
In a deeply disturbing incident that has ignited outrage, Kalkaji Temple witnessed murder of a 35 year old temple worker after being brutally assaulted over a trivial dispute concerning ‘chunni prasad’ on Friday night.
As per police sources and eye witnesses, Yogendra Singh was a man who dedicated 15 years of his life towards serving at the temple. He was performing his duties when a group of men demanded prasad from him. On refusing their demand an argument broke out, which quickly escalated into physical violence. Singh was left critically injured after the assailants attacked Singh with bare hands and sticks. As seen on the CCTV footage, the sewadar was still thrashed with sticks and fist blows while he was lying unconscious
Singh suffered serious injuries, despite the efforts of the residents who lived nearby and stepped in and also captured one of the attackers. He was sent to AIIMS Trauma Centre right after, but unfortunately he succumbed to his injuries during his treatment.
Immediately after, the police arrested the accused, who was identified as Atul Pandey, 30, of Dakshinpuri. Locals prevented him from escaping and turned him up to the
Police. Police are currently carrying out a manhunt to find and arrest the additional suspects in a case that has been registered at the Kalkaji Police station under
Section 103 (murder) and Section 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
In order to ensure that Yogendra Singh and his bereaved family receive justice, this tragedy has sparked requests for a very thorough inquiry and it also raised questions about the security at sacred sites. The investigation is still ongoing and the police are working to capture the other suspects.