Daijiworld Media Network - Kolhapur

Kolhapur, Mar 23: A tense situation unfolded at the Jyotiba Temple after a viral video showed priests allegedly assaulting devotees during morning rituals on Sunday.

The incident reportedly occurred between 11 am and 12 noon during the traditional Sasanathi Pradakshina and Aarti. The video shows around 15 to 20 priests punching, kicking and even using coconuts to attack devotees inside the temple premises.

According to temple authorities, the clash began after a group of devotees allegedly behaved in an unruly manner, disrupted the Aarti and ignored repeated warnings. It was also claimed that gulal was thrown at priests and some had their traditional turbans knocked off during the commotion.

As the situation escalated, the priests reportedly chased and dragged the devotees across the temple complex. Visuals show people attempting to flee in panic but being caught and assaulted again.

While the temple administration stated that attempts were made to defuse the situation through dialogue, the scale of the violence has drawn sharp criticism from the public and local activists.

Kolhapur Police have launched an investigation into the incident. Officials are examining CCTV footage to identify those involved and to determine whether excessive force was used.

The temple committee has defended the priests, stating they acted to protect the sanctity of the ritual, while police said all aspects of the case are being probed.