Achaleshwar Temple Priest Assaults Devotee in Gwalior

CCTV video from Madhya Pradesh’s historic Achaleshwar Temple shows a priest assaulting a 54-year-old devotee and issuing a chilling tantric threat after a dispute over prasad offering.

Historic Temple in Spotlight  

Gwalior’s ancient Achaleshwar Temple has come under scrutiny after a violent clash between a priest and a regular devotee. The episode occurred on March 29 inside the temple premises in the Kampoo police station area.

Long-Time Devotee Assaulted  

Rajesh Bohra, 54, a resident of Laxmiganj in Lashkar, has visited Achaleshwar Temple for nearly 40 years. On the day of the incident, he handed prasad to priest Gagan Katara for offering to the deity.

Argument Turns Violent  

Bohra objected when the priest threw the prasad onto the idol instead of placing it properly. An argument erupted. Gagan Katara then asked temple staff to take the devotee to the Natraj Bhavan room, saying “sort him out”.

Brutal Beating in Natraj Bhavan  

Inside the room, priest Gaurav Katara allegedly slapped Bohra repeatedly, grabbed him by the neck and pushed him hard. The entire sequence was captured on the temple’s CCTV cameras.

Tantric Threat Shocks Victim  

Bohra later told police that Gaurav Katara threatened him with the words: “I will perform tantric kriya and turn you into ashes. You will rot and die.” The devotee, who had taken diksha from the same priest earlier, said he and his family now live in fear.

Family Demands Protection  

Bohra has demanded immediate security for himself and his relatives. He claims continuous harassment since the incident and fears for his life.

Police Promise Action  

Kampoo police CSP Manish Yadav confirmed that no formal complaint has been received so far. “Once the application reaches us, we will investigate. If the allegations are found true, strict legal action will be taken against those involved,” he said. Temple management is yet to issue any statement on the matter.

The video of the Achaleshwar Temple priest assault has now gone viral, triggering widespread anger among devotees across Madhya Pradesh. Many have questioned the behaviour of temple staff and demanded better accountability at religious sites. Such incidents erode public trust in places meant for peace and worship.

Local residents and regular visitors to the temple say they expect swift police intervention. Bohra is preparing to file an official complaint in the coming days. Authorities have assured that the matter will be handled as per law once the complaint is lodged.

This Achaleshwar Temple priest assault has once again highlighted the need for stricter oversight at prominent shrines in the state.