Priests clash over rituals, offerings at Baba Mahendranath Temple in UP; watch viral video | Lucknow News

LUCKNOW: A dispute between two groups of priests over conducting religious rituals for devotees and sharing temple offerings at the historic Baba Mahendranath Temple in Deoria district escalated into a violent clash, prompting police action against members of both sides.According to Deoria Police, the incident took place on June 13 at the Baba Mahendranath Temple complex located in Mahen village under Madanpur police station limits. The altercation reportedly stemmed from disagreements over performing puja rituals for devotees and issues related to offerings made at the temple. The dispute soon turned into a physical confrontation between the rival groups.Based on complaints submitted by both sides, Madanpur police registered cross FIRs under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to assault, criminal force and intentional provocation.Acting under the directions of superintendent of police Abhijit R. Shankar and under the supervision of additional superintendent of police (North) Anand Kumar Pandey and Rudrapur Circle Officer Satyendra Rai, police launched an operation and arrested six accused linked to the case.The arrested individuals were identified as Vashishtha Bharti (46), Markandeya Bharti (55), Janardan Goswami (58), Sameer Goswami (40), Akash Goswami (30), and Vishal Goswami (22), all residents of Mahen village. The accused were booked under preventive provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and produced for further legal proceedings.During the course of inquiry, police also initiated preventive action against five other persons—Ratnesh Yadav, Pawan Yadav, Sanjay Yadav, Rahul Yadav and Satyam Tiwari—in view of maintaining peace and public order in the area.Circle officer Rudrapur Satyendra Rai said the clash occurred between priests associated with the temple over conducting worship services for devotees and issues related to temple offerings. He confirmed that cases had been registered against both sides based on their complaints and that six accused had been arrested. The officer added that the situation at the temple remains peaceful and under control.Police said further legal proceedings are underway.