Shahjahanpur Sadhu Murder: Two sadhus were allegedly killed inside a Shiva temple in Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur, after which their bodies were set on fire. The incident came to light on Thursday morning when villagers noticed smoke rising from the temple in Sutha village, under Khudaganj police station.
When villagers reached the spot around 7 am, they found one body still burning while the other had been reduced to a skeleton. The bodies were lying around 10 metres apart inside the temple premises.
The deceased have been identified as Baba Gopal Das, 70, and Baba Bihari Das, 60. Both had been staying at the Shiva temple in Sutha village.
Police have detained Sumit, 35, in connection with the case and are questioning him. A forensic team has also examined the crime scene and collected evidence.
Two sadhus were living at the temple
According to local residents, Gopal Das had been associated with the temple for around 20 years. He was a storyteller and religious preacher and regularly looked after the temple.
Bihari Das had been serving at the temple for nearly 10 years. About a month ago, he became a disciple of Gopal Das and began staying with him at the Shiva temple.
Gopal Das was originally from Azizganj, around 15 kilometres from the temple. He was one of four brothers. His wife, Vijjavati, died around 25 years ago, after which he left home and began living at the temple.
His family said he had recently returned home and told them that he wanted to travel to Gaya. He left around five days before the incident but returned after suffering an injury on the way.
Temple worker found the bodies burning
Dragpal, who worked at the temple and helped with cleaning, said he reached the premises around 7 am on Thursday.
He told local authorities that he found both bodies burning when he arrived. He said he had last met the two sadhus around 3 pm on Wednesday before returning home.
The incident quickly drew a large crowd to the temple as villagers gathered to find out what had happened.
Police detain suspect in double murder case
The circumstances surrounding the Shahjahanpur sadhu murder are still under investigation.
According to the police, a call was received about two sadhus being burnt at the temple. Officers from Khudaganj police station reached the spot and found the bodies badly burnt.
Police detained Sumit, 35, for questioning.
Local residents have made different allegations about the possible motive and suspects. One account alleged that there had been a dispute over the temple property and that the sadhus had opposed attempts to remove them from the premises. Another account named Sumit and alleged that he had previously attacked the sadhus.
These allegations have not yet been established by the police.
Suspect had recently returned from jail
According to information provided by local residents, Sumit had recently been released from jail. He was also accused locally of having previously attacked the sadhus.
Residents further claimed that he had earlier been involved in an incident in which a village resident’s car was allegedly set on fire.
Police are questioning him as part of their investigation. His exact role in the deaths will be determined based on the evidence collected during the investigation.
Forensic team examines temple premises
Senior police officials reached the temple after the incident was reported. The forensic team examined the area and collected evidence that could help establish what happened before and after the deaths.
The bodies were sent for further legal proceedings, while investigators continued questioning people connected with the temple and the deceased.
Bihari Das was unmarried
Bihari Das was one of five brothers and was unmarried. His brothers were identified as Shri Krishna, Rajveer, Omveer and Budhpal.
He had spent several years serving at the temple and had recently begun living there with Gopal Das after becoming his disciple.
The police investigation is continuing, and the motive behind the killings has not yet been officially established.
This is a developing story. Further details are expected as the police investigation progresses.
