Kusum Sharma, a 48-year-old woman and wife of the priest at Jwala Ji temple in Mansarovar Park, East Delhi, was stabbed to death in broad daylight inside the temple premises on Sunday, around 11:30 am, while offering prayers. Two attackers entered the temple, asked for the priest, and when told he had gone elsewhere, one man armed with a large knife launched a brutal assault on Kusum, stabbing her multiple times on the head and upper body. She collapsed on the spot and was declared dead at GTB Hospital.
Another woman, Bina Garg, who tried to intervene and stop the attacker, was also stabbed and sustained injuries before being rushed for medical treatment. The attack occurred in the presence of three to four other devotees, sending shockwaves through the locality. Police have detained the main accused along with the weapon and formed multiple investigation teams.
Temple priest Mahesh Sharma stated that the temple is built on a 400 square yard plot that includes roadside shops rented to tenants, and there has been an ongoing land dispute with some individuals claiming ownership, while he asserts the plot belongs to the Delhi Development Authority. The matter is pending in court, and the priest’s family had received death threats earlier. Police believe the attack stems from old enmity and are investigating the case further.
A woman was attacked inside a temple while praying, and another was stabbed while trying to defend her. This is not just a crime. This is an assault on Hindu sacred space, on the security of those who serve in temples, and on the faith that temples are places of refuge and peace
