Shahjahanpur temple double murder: Two elderly priests killed, bodies set ablaze; accused held

Two elderly priests were allegedly killed and their bodies set on fire at a temple in Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur district on Thursday, with police suspecting that the accused wanted to take control of the shrine.

The accused, identified as Sumit Singh, has been taken into custody and is being questioned, police said.

According to Superintendent of Police Saurabh Dixit, Singh allegedly attacked the two priests with a heavy object at the temple in Sutha village. He then allegedly poured an inflammable substance over their bodies and set them on fire.

The victims were identified as Bihari Das, 60, and Gopal Das, 70. They had been living at the temple for a long time and were responsible for its upkeep. Police said land adjoining the temple is reportedly registered in Gopal Das’ name.

Singh, who is from the same village, had returned from jail in August and began spending time with the priests, police said. Investigators suspect he wanted to stay at the temple and take over its management.

During preliminary questioning, Singh allegedly confessed to attacking the priests and setting their bodies on fire, police said.

A murder case has been registered against him, while the bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination. Further investigation is underway.

with inputs from PTI