Daijiworld Media Network – Mahoba

Mahoba, Jul 18: A 65-year-old priest of an ancient Hanuman temple was allegedly beaten to death by unidentified assailants in Uttar Pradesh's Mahoba district, police said on Saturday.

The victim, identified as Udit Narayan Mishra, was found lying in a pool of blood inside the temple premises in Jaitpur under the Kulpahar police station limits on Saturday morning.

According to Additional Superintendent of Police Vandana Singh, the body bore injuries suggesting that Mishra was assaulted with sticks and clubs. Preliminary investigation indicates that the attack took place on Friday night.

Mishra, a native of neighbouring Hamirpur district, had been serving as the temple priest and performing religious rituals there for the past 15 to 16 years.

Police said crucial evidence has been recovered from the crime scene and is being examined as part of the investigation.

A case of murder against unidentified persons has been registered based on a complaint lodged by the priest's brother, Jugul. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and efforts are underway to identify and trace the attackers.