72-Year-Old Priest Tortured and Murdered in Rajasthan’s Nagaur District
A shocking incident of violence has occurred in Rajasthan’s Nagaur district, where a 72-year-old priest was allegedly tortured and murdered. The police reported that the body of the seer, identified as Maharaj Mohandas, was discovered in his ashram with his hands and legs tied with ropes and his mouth gagged.
Preliminary investigation suggests that the priest was subjected to torture by two men who later killed him. The villagers of Rasal village, where the ashram is located, made the grim discovery on Monday morning and immediately alerted the authorities. The police, accompanied by a forensics team and a dog squad, arrived at the scene.
Reports indicate that there were visible signs of struggle on the priest’s body, further confirming the violent nature of the crime. The local Station House Officer, Suresh Kumar, revealed that Maharaj Mohandas had been residing in the Rasal village for the past 15 years and was living alone. He had interacted with the villagers on Sunday evening and retired to his room to sleep. The next morning, the villagers found him lifeless.
The tied hands, legs, and mouth of the deceased have raised suspicions of murder, leading the police to register a case and initiate a thorough investigation. A post-mortem examination is currently being conducted, and once completed, the body will be handed over to the priest’s family members, who reside in the same village.
The horrific incident has drawn criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has accused the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government of failing to maintain law and order in Rajasthan. Union Minister Prahlad Joshi slammed the state government, stating that Rajasthan has become a lawless state under their governance. He expressed concern over the increasing number of heinous crimes, including rape, murder, and robbery, and pointed out that criminals seem to operate fearlessly in the state.
Union Minister Gejendra Singh Shekhawat, who represents Rajasthan in Parliament, also criticized the government for its alleged disregard for the security of its citizens. He lamented the targeted violence against sages and saints in the state, emphasizing the need for the authorities to ensure their safety. Shekhawat expressed his grief over the killing of Sant Mohandas in his ashram and stressed that justice will only be served when the killers are apprehended.
The incident has raised concerns about the state of law and order in Rajasthan and the security of its residents. The authorities are now under pressure to swiftly investigate the case, identify the perpetrators, and bring them to justice. The tragic death of the 72-year-old priest serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by society in ensuring the safety and protection of its vulnerable members.
