Kalkaji temple murder: Multiple police teams formed to arrest the remaining accused
New Delhi (PTI): The Delhi Police has formed multiple teams to arrest the remaining accused in the murder case of a 35-year-old 'sevadar' at the Kalkaji temple, an official said on Sunday.
The victim, Yogendra Singh, was allegedly beaten to death on Friday night by a group of men following an argument over the distribution of prasad.
So far, five people have been arrested in connection with the case, including the prime accused, Atul Pandey, who was caught on the spot by locals. Four others, Mohan alias Bhura, his cousin Kuldeep Bidhuri, Nitin Pandey and his father Anil Kumar, on Saturday.
"Efforts are underway to trace others allegedly involved in the assault," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) Hemant Tiwari said.
The officer further noted that several dedicated teams have been created to apprehend the remaining suspects. These teams are currently reviewing CCTV footage, analysing technical evidence, and questioning individuals.
All remaining accused will be arrested soon, the DCP assured.
Singh, who had been serving at the temple for nearly 15 years, was attacked with sticks and punches after he allegedly refused the group's demand for chunni prasad as the stock had finished.
Singh's younger brother, Kaushal, said the family is devastated by the tragedy and called on the government for aid.
"Yogendra worked tirelessly to support his family. He earned a living through his service at the temple, providing for his wife and children, including his six-year-old daughter with a disability. We have to spend over Rs 1 lakh for her treatment alone. We are now requesting financial assistance from the government so that her treatment can continue," Kaushal said.
He also mentioned that his brother had politely declined the accused's request for prasad.
"Yogendra explained that the prasad was finished. But instead of understanding, they dragged him out and started thrashing him so brutally that he could not survive. We cannot imagine why such cruelty was inflicted on him," he said.
Asserting that Yogendra's death should not go in vain, Kaushal called for the strictest punishment for all the accused, so that such a crime never happens again.
Other 'sevadars' at the temple expressed shock and fear after the incident. Many stated that they are now uncertain about their own safety.
"We serve the temple and the devotees with devotion. But after this murder, how can we trust anyone who comes here? The brutality has shaken us. We demand proper security arrangements for the safety of 'sevadars' and other staff working at the temple," said a fellow 'sevadar'.
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NIA registers case to probe recovery of 79 crude bombs in poll-bound West Bengal
New Delhi (PTI): The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Sunday registered a case to probe recovery of 79 crude bombs in poll-bound West Bengal, officials said.
The move came following a directive by the Union Home Ministry in this regard, they said.
In pursuance to the home ministry's order, the anti-terror agency on Sunday registered a case, which was originally filed at Uttar Kashi police station, Bhangar division, Kolkata on Saturday, and took up the investigation, an NIA spokesperson said in a late night statement.
"The case pertains to recovery of 79 crude bombs and other incriminating materials by Kolkata police, which were being stored at a spot, thereby endangering human life and property," the spokesperson said.
Earlier in the day, the Election Commission had directed the West Bengal Police to launch a special drive to arrest those involved in illegal manufacturing of crude bombs in the poll-bound state, an official said.
It asserted that all cases related to the making of any such explosive would be probed by the National Investigation Agency, the official said.
The directive came after the police recovered a large number of crude bombs from the house of a person, allegedly a TMC worker, at Bhangar in South 24 Parganas district, days ahead of the second and final phase of the assembly polls in the state.
The explosives were recovered during a search at the residence of Rafikul Islam following specific inputs, the official said.
The poll panel also issued a warning to senior police officers across the state over any lapse in maintaining law and order before the April 29 polling.
The first phase of the assembly elections in West Bengal was held on April 23, while the second phase will take place on April 29. Votes will be counted on May 4.
A record 93.19 per cent turnout has been recorded in the first round of polling. Bhangar will vote in the second phase.
