- By Deeksha Gour
- Mon, 19 Aug 2024 09:02 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Mumbai News: Two priests were violently attacked while returning from a worship on Saturday night in Mumbai, according to local police reports. The incident involved five assailants armed with sticks and knives, as confirmed by ANI, a prominent news agency. However, the priests only suffered minor injuries during the attack and did not require serious medical treatment.
Upon receiving alert about the incident, police rushed to the scene. Currently, two suspects have been detained, and efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining individuals involved. Mumbai Police stated, “We are investigating the motive behind the attack.”
This incident follows a violent attack in July, where a 67-year-old priest was stabbed on temple grounds in Malad. The assailant, identified as Suryanarayan Das, had been dismissed from his role as a caretaker for the temple’s cows shortly before the attack. Following this earlier incident, an FIR for attempted murder was lodged against him and another person, whose involvement remains unclear, is under investigation. CCTV footage captured Das fleeing the scene after stabbing Mahant Madhavdasji Rambalakdas Mahatyagi during a daily ritual at the temple. Mahatyagi was quickly taken to a hospital by fellow temple staff and devotees.
Das's history includes a six-month stint at the temple, where he was hired to milk cows. His dismissal stemmed from alleged illegal activities, as reported by the police.
Additionally, in a separate news, two Hindu seers and their driver were killed by a mob on suspicion of being child-lifters while they were en route from Mumbai to Surat for a funeral. These events underline ongoing safety issues faced by religious leaders and communities across the country, prompting urgent calls for increased protection measures.