Bhilwara: A priest of the Khakul Dev temple in Barana village of Bhilwara under Asind police station area was allegedly assaulted and caste-abused by a group of villagers while performing prayers Friday, prompting police to register a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Villagers, however, lodged a counter-complaint accusing the priest of stealing the temple’s silver chavar (ceremonial fly-whisk) and other worship items. Police have registered cross FIRs and launched an investigation into both cases.According to police, Vishnu Meghvanshi, the priest of Khakul Dev temple, alleged that he was assaulted while offering prayers at the shrine. Based on a complaint lodged by his wife, Sita Devi, six people were booked under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Police said the allegations are being investigated.Meanwhile, villagers filed a counter-complaint alleging that Meghvanshi had stolen the temple’s silver chavar and other worship articles. Sampat Jat, associated with the Khakul Dev Temple Committee, claimed the items were recovered from the priest after villagers confronted him, during which a scuffle broke out. Acting on a complaint by another priest, Govind Vaishnav, police registered a cross FIR.Police said both cases are being investigated and the sequence of events will be established during the probe.The temple has witnessed disputes in the past as well. An earlier case involving the alleged theft of grain from the temple is pending before a court. The temple is currently under the charge of a court-appointed receiver, with Asind station house officer Shraddha Pachauri serving in that capacity.Sampat Jat also alleged that tensions had been simmering after Meghvanshi reportedly objected to a devotee’s offering of sweet well water at the temple, a move that upset some villagers. He said the community has faith in the police investigation and the judicial process.
