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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PM Modi holds 14-km roadshow in Varanasi, offers prayers at Kashi Vishwanath temple
Varanasi (UP) (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a roadshow in Varanasi on Wednesday morning, the second day of his two-day visit, drawing large crowds along the route, party leaders said.
The roadshow commenced from Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) and passed through Lahartara, Kachahri, Ambedkar Chauraha, Chaukaghat, Teliyabag, Lahurabir and Maidagin before culminating at the Kashi Vishwanath Dham.
At the temple, the prime minister offered prayers and performed rituals amid Vedic chants. After completing the prayers, Modi was welcomed by local representatives, who presented him with a trishul, damru and a traditional stole. The prime minister acknowledged the gesture and greeted the gathering.
As he emerged from the temple complex, devotees raised slogans of "Har Har Mahadev", to which Modi responded by waving and folding his hands.
He also briefly interacted with children present at the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor.
BJP media in-charge Arvind Mishra said people in Varanasi were eager to catch a glimpse of the prime minister, with a large number of party workers, office-bearers and local residents lining the entire route.
Devotees and supporters were seen raising slogans such as "Har Har Mahadev" and "Jai Shri Ram" to welcome the prime minister, who greeted them by waving and folding his hands.
Mishra said multiple welcome points had been set up along the route, where party workers and locals welcomed the prime minister with rose petals, drum beats and conch shells.
The roadshow, stretching around 14 kilometres, is being described by party leaders as one of the largest ever in the city.
Heavy crowds were seen on both sides of the roads throughout the route, officials said.
After the visit to Varanasi, his Lok Sabha constituency, the PM is scheduled to inaugurate the Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh later on Wednesday.
