A Dalit priest in Rajasthan’s Bhilwara district has alleged caste-based assault and temple takeover attempts at Khakhul Dev temple.
Vishnu Balai says he was attacked on July 16 while preparing to perform prayers, and that this was the second such assault in less than a year. His wife’s complaint led to an FIR that names six accused and includes charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. Balai has also alleged that some local people, backed by political and organisational support, are trying to remove him from his hereditary priestly role.
The dispute has now become a serious issue of faith, caste, and control over temple resources. Balai says his family has served as priests at the temple for nearly 400 years and that the attacks are aimed at forcing him out. He has appealed to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, asking for intervention and protection.
On the other side, local BJP MLA Jabbar Singh Sankhala has denied the allegations and claimed that villagers were concerned about lack of development at the temple. He said the dispute began after questions were raised about temple upkeep and the use of donation funds. Police say both sides have filed FIRs and the matter is under investigation.
This is not just a local dispute. It raises disturbing questions about caste prejudice, temple management, and the safety of Dalit religious workers.
A Dalit priest in Bhilwara alleges assault and attempts to remove him from temple duties, putting caste discrimination at the centre of the dispute.
