The Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi Police to conduct a thorough investigation into a tragic incident in which a longtime “sewadar” was allegedly killed within the precincts of Kalkaji Temple during the evening of August 29. The court issued notice on a plea filed by the deceased’s brother and two eyewitnesses, urging transfer of the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation and seeking protection for themselves amid fears of intimidation.
Justice Neena Bansal Krishna emphasized that the Delhi Police must proceed with the investigation under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sannhita, 2023. The court also scheduled the matter for further hearing on September 19 and asked the investigating agency to file a detailed status report.
The FIR, registered under Sections 103(1) (murder) and 3(5) (joint liability) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sannhita at Kalkaji police station, marks the formal launch of criminal proceedings. The petitioners raised serious concerns about the safety and conduct of eyewitnesses, alleging that the police had failed to cooperate—citing delays in providing FIR documents, threats to witnesses, and potential bias in favor of the accused. They also sought to restrain Delhi Police from re-entering temple grounds, proposing that responsibility for security be entrusted to a professional force such as the CRPF. They additionally asked the court to direct preservation of CCTV footage capturing the incident.
The incident itself unfolded following a dispute over the distribution of “Chunni Prasad”—a religious offering. Reports indicate that the sewadar, Yogendra Singh, aged 35, who had served at the temple for approximately 15 years, asked visitors to wait for their turn. This apparently provoked a violent response, as a group returned with rods and sticks, fatally assaulting him inside the temple grounds. The attack was viewed by bystanders and captured on video, which circulated widely and sparked public outrage. Singh was swiftly transported to AIIMS Trauma Centre, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Police have since arrested eight to nine individuals connected to the attack. Investigations are ongoing, with efforts to trace additional suspects. Amid growing concern about witness safety, the petitioners called for protective measures, underscoring their perceived vulnerability. They alleged that the police’s behavior amounted to obstruction of justice, stating that the reality of the incident required independent scrutiny and oversight.
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