Viral video shows staff clicking photos with saree-clad visitor despite ban on photography inside Ujjain temple premises

A young man dressed as Allu Arjun’s character from the film Pushpa — complete with saree, blouse, payal, lemon garland, and bangles — walked into the Mahakal temple here for a VIP darshan, triggering a row over security lapses. The incident, which took place on February 5, came to light after videos surfaced on social media over the weekend.

The temple management has since removed a supervisor after an internal inquiry.

Viral visuals show protocol breach

In the clips circulating on Instagram and Facebook, the man is seen moving through different parts of the temple complex. A staff member escorts him to the Ganesh Mandapam, treating him like a VIP devotee. Security personnel and temple committee employees did not stop him. Instead, they posed for photographs with him.

Photography and videography are strictly prohibited inside the Mahakal temple premises. The responsibility of enforcing this ban lies with the very staff and guards who are now seen violating it.

What the video shows

The young man is dressed in a saree and blouse, with payal on his feet, a lemon garland and necklace around his neck, tops in his ears, a nose ring, and bangles on his wrists. He mimics the mannerisms of the Pushpa character in several clips.

According to sources familiar with the matter, he did not enter like an ordinary pilgrim. He was given special access, something regular devotees are not entitled to. The videos also show him filming himself inside the temple, which is not allowed for common visitors.

Social media backlash

The visuals, uploaded from an account named Ankit Astoliya on Instagram and Facebook, quickly went viral. Several other videos in the same outfit are available on that profile.

Users have criticised the temple administration for allowing such conduct. Many questioned how the man managed to enter with a full costume and accessories without being stopped at any checkpoint. Others pointed out that the staff’s willingness to take selfies with him shows a casual approach to protocol.

Official action taken

Mahakal temple administrator Pratham Kaushik confirmed that the video dates back to February 5. “After the visuals came to our notice, an inquiry was conducted. The concerned supervisor has been removed from his post,” he said.

Kaushik added that granting special permission to anyone inside the temple premises, or allowing photography and videography, goes against the established rules and decorum of the shrine.

Prior restrictions on photography

This is not the first time the Mahakal temple has faced controversy over mobile phone use. While devotees are routinely asked to deposit their phones before entering, instances of unauthorised recording have been reported earlier as well. The latest incident has once again raised questions about enforcement of existing rules.

Sources indicate that the temple trust may now review its security deployment and issue fresh guidelines to prevent such breaches in the future.

Korba Youth Beaten Naked on Street After Selling Friend’s Bike for Liquor

In a shocking incident that has triggered widespread concern, a 36-year-old man in Chhattisgarh’s Korba district was stripped naked and brutally assaulted on a public road after he allegedly sold his friend’s motorcycle to buy liquor. The graphic video of the Korba youth beaten naked has now gone viral on social media, prompting police to register a case and launch a manhunt for the accused.

Youth Beaten on Street

The assault took place in the Darri police station area on March 27. According to eyewitness accounts and the viral clip, the victim was chased, kicked and punched while completely naked. Passers-by eventually intervened to stop the beating as a crowd gathered at the spot. The victim, identified as Amar Das, suffered injuries to his nose and face and was rushed to hospital by police after locals dialled 112.

Bike Sold for Liquor

Amar Das, a resident of the servant quarters in Kaveri Vihar, has a known habit of drinking. On the day of the incident, he approached his friend Saroj Kumar and took his bike. Instead of returning it, he sold the vehicle to fund his liquor purchase. When he came back without the motorcycle, Saroj Kumar flew into a rage, leading to the violent confrontation.

Naked Public Assault

Reports indicate that Saroj Kumar and others allegedly stripped Amar Das of his clothes before dragging him onto the road for the public thrashing. The video clearly shows the victim bleeding profusely as he tries to escape the repeated blows. The footage, which surfaced nearly ten days after the event, has now spread rapidly across platforms, turning the case into a major public interest story.

Video Turns Viral

Though the incident occurred on March 27, the video began circulating widely only recently. Within hours of going viral, it sparked heated debates on social media under hashtags related to Latest News Today and India News Update. Many users expressed shock over the extreme nature of the punishment meted out on an open street in broad daylight.

Police Case Registered

Darri police station in-charge Ashish Singh confirmed that a complaint was lodged by the victim immediately after the assault. An FIR has been registered against Saroj Kumar under relevant sections for assault and public indecency. Officials said the case was initially based on the victim’s statement, but the viral video has now provided crucial visual evidence that will strengthen the investigation.

Accused on the Run

Saroj Kumar, a resident of Ratanpur area in Bilaspur district, fled the scene as soon as bystanders called the police. He remains absconding. Police teams have been dispatched to trace him and sources indicated that his arrest is expected soon. “We have registered the case and are actively searching for the accused. The video will help in further action,” Singh told reporters.

Investigation Gains Pace

The Korba naked assault video has also drawn attention to recurring issues of alcohol addiction and street-level vigilantism in parts of Chhattisgarh. While police have provided medical aid to the victim, whose wife works as a domestic help in officers’ residences, authorities are treating the matter with urgency to prevent any further escalation. 

This Korba youth beaten naked incident continues to dominate discussions in National and International News circles as the manhunt intensifies. Police have appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the accused’s arrest.