Beaten to Death over Prasad - Kalkaji Temple Horror

Servitor Beaten to Death at Delhi’s Kalkaji Temple After Dispute Over Prasad

A shocking incident at Delhi’s historic Kalkaji Temple has raised serious questions about safety within places of worship. On the evening of 29 August, a long-serving temple attendant, Yogendra Singh, was brutally assaulted and later succumbed to his injuries after what began as a seemingly trivial disagreement over the distribution of prasad. CCTV footage from the site has since circulated, showing Singh lying defenceless on the ground as multiple assailants beat him repeatedly with wooden sticks. Police have confirmed that at least three individuals were involved in the attack, which quickly escalated beyond a verbal dispute.

The Altercation

According to investigators, the confrontation began shortly after a group of devotees completed their darshan and approached Singh to receive prasad. What should have been a routine exchange rapidly spiralled into a heated quarrel. Witness statements suggest that tempers flared over either the quantity or manner of distribution, though exact details remain unclear. Within moments, the disagreement turned violent, with the accused resorting to physical assault.

Victim Identified

The victim has been identified as 35-year-old Yogendra Singh, a native of Hardoi district in Uttar Pradesh. Singh had been serving at the Kalkaji Temple for nearly 15 years, making him a well-known figure amongst both worshippers and fellow staff. His sudden and violent death has shocked the local community, many of whom recall him as a familiar and trusted presence at the temple.

Medical Response and Death

Following the assault, Singh was rushed to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Trauma Centre. Despite efforts by doctors, his injuries proved fatal, and he was declared dead shortly after arrival.

Arrests and Police Action

Delhi Police have registered a case of murder under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. One of the suspects, Atul Pandey, a 30-year-old resident of Dakshinpuri, was apprehended on the spot by bystanders before being handed over to the authorities. Efforts are now underway to track down the remaining suspects who fled the scene. Senior police officials have assured that further investigation is ongoing and that all those responsible will be brought to justice.

Wider Concerns

The incident has sparked debate about the growing tensions at crowded religious sites and the adequacy of security measures in place. Temples, which are meant to be centres of devotion and peace, have increasingly witnessed altercations linked to crowding, offerings, or disputes over ritual practices. Community leaders have called for stricter vigilance and greater accountability to prevent such tragedies from recurring.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies