Sun Apr 13 02:34:21 UTC 2025: ## Priest Beaten by Mob at Madhya Pradesh Temple After Closing Hours
**Dewas, Madhya Pradesh:** A priest at the famed Mata Tekri temple in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh, was allegedly assaulted by a group of approximately 30 people after he refused them entry past closing time. The incident, which occurred late Friday night into Saturday, is under investigation by local police.
According to police and the priest’s account to NDTV, the group, led by a man named Jitu Raghuvanshi with a reported criminal record, arrived at the temple around 12:40 AM in a convoy of eight to ten vehicles, some displaying red beacons. Despite the temple being closed for the night, the group allegedly forced their way in, threatening and subsequently beating the priest.
Videos circulating on social media appear to corroborate the priest’s claim, showing the vehicles arriving at the temple and the group later praying inside. City Superintendent of Police Dinesh Agrawal confirmed that a case has been registered and that police are reviewing footage from approximately 50 security cameras located on the temple grounds. While reports suggest the group may have included the son of a BJP leader, Agrawal stated that this aspect of the investigation is ongoing. The police are currently examining evidence to identify all those involved in the assault.
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