A temple priest was assaulted by 50-60 people in Kanpur’s Keshavpuram after a photo showing him allegedly eating non-vegetarian food went viral on social media.
The incident occurred Sunday night at the Bhuteshwar temple under the Rawatpur police station. Angry residents demanded an explanation from priest Prashant Giri alias Golu Pandit. When he refused to come outside, some entered the temple premises.
The crowd pulled Giri outside and began questioning him about the image. The argument turned violent with several people slapping and beating him. As he tried to escape, the mob chased and continued to assault him. Nearby women tried to intervene.
The situation lasted nearly one hour before the emergency call to 112. Rawatpur police reached the spot, rescued the priest, and took him to the station for safety. Tension escalated during the religious procession when the priest’s son tried to touch the idol.
Giri filed a complaint alleging photo is old or morphed to defame him. Claims certain people want him removed from the temple. Police are investigating the origin of the photo and video of the assault. Action was promised against those responsible.
Police confirm situation under control. Investigation ongoing using CCTV footage to identify attackers. Priest remains at police station for protection after violent mob attack triggered by social media photo.
