Temple Priest Killed After Confronting Men Drinking at Muzaffarnagar Shrine

Authorities say two suspects were shot and taken into custody during a police encounter while investigators seized firearms and a motorcycle as the murder probe advances.

Overview

A 40-year-old priest identified as Baba Nathan was beaten to death after he objected to men drinking on the temple premises in Begarajpur village, police said.
Local police registered a murder case under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and launched a search for the suspects following a complaint.
Officers located two men named by police as Aniket, 22, and Arun, 23, and say the pair fired at police while trying to flee, were wounded in the exchange and then arrested.
Police recovered two pistols, ammunition and a motorcycle from the suspects and the injured men were taken to hospital and placed in custody as investigators collect evidence.
Officials stress the probe is ongoing and that the case touches on tense local issues about conduct at religious sites as authorities complete forensic, medical and legal steps.