An argument over the distribution of prasad at the Kalkaji Mandir in Delhi late on Friday night spiralled into violence, leading to the death of a 35-year-old temple sewadaar, police said on Saturday. The victim, Yogendra Singh, had been serving at the temple for over a decade.

A video clip of the incident has surfaced, showing five to six men raining blows on Singh as he lay motionless on the ground. Passersby can be seen watching in shock and horror.

ALSO READ

What led to the incident?

According to police, a PCR call was received around 9.30 pm about a quarrel inside the temple premises. When a team reached the spot, they found that a group of men who had come for darshan had demanded chunni prasad from Singh. An argument broke out, quickly escalating into physical assault.

Investigators said Singh was attacked with sticks and punched repeatedly by the group. He was rushed to AIIMS Trauma Centre but succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

Police said the victim hailed from Hardoi in Uttar Pradesh and had been associated with the Kalkaji Mandir for around 14–15 years. Fellow temple staff described Singh as a dedicated worker who handled rituals and assisted devotees daily. 

Speaking on the killing of a sewadaar in Kalkaji Temple, General Secretary Siddharth Bhardwaj said, “The incident took place at around 9 PM yesterday. Yogesh Singh, who was a sewadaar, was killed. It is definitely a very saddening incident, and we want the strictest possible action to be taken against the culprits.”

Case registered, one arrested

A case has been registered under sections 103(1) (murder) and 3(5) (common intent) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Kalkaji police station. One of the accused, Atul Pandey, a 30-year-old resident of Dakshinpuri, was apprehended at the spot by members of the public and handed over to the police.

Authorities said efforts are underway to identify and arrest the remaining accused, who fled the scene after the attack.

ALSO READ

Investigation on

Senior officers have confirmed that CCTV footage from the temple and nearby areas is being scanned to track down the suspects. Police have also deployed additional personnel around the temple premises to maintain order and prevent further unrest.