Aides of MP BJP MLA’s son beat Chamunda Devi temple priest for refusing late-night temple entry

The incident occurred around 12:45 a.m. last week and was revealed after a video showing Rudraksh Shukla and his convoy at the closed temple gates surfaced on social media, according to an India Today report.

According to officials, the confrontation began when Jitendra Raghuwanshi, a Dewas resident and associate of Rudraksh, insisted that the temple be opened so the MLA’s son could offer prayers, the report said.

Priest Updesh Nath denied the request, citing temple norms that prohibit entry during night hours.

Following the refusal, Jitendra allegedly hurled abuses at the priest and physically attacked him.

Based on a complaint filed by Updesh Nath, a case has been registered against Jitendra under applicable sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita pertaining to verbal and physical assault, according to the report.

However, the FIR names only Jitendra and does not mention Rudraksh Shukla.

The priest has claimed that soon after lodging the complaint, he received a phone call asking him to withdraw it, calling the matter “internal”.

In a video statement, he declared he would not back down, stating firmly, “I will not compromise”.

Eyewitnesses reported that 10 to 12 vehicles had arrived at the temple that night, and the priest was allegedly subjected to verbal abuse and manhandled when he refused to unlock the gates, said the report.

Responding to questions about Rudraksh’s possible role, a senior police official said the authorities are examining CCTV footage from the area and appropriate action will follow based on the findings.

The official also noted that the accused named in the FIR has a prior criminal record.