The murder of a temple priest in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, has been solved by the police, who have uncovered the motive behind the crime. The investigation revealed the priest, Jageshwar Pathak, was having an affair with a married woman, leading to the planning of his murder by the woman’s husband. The police arrested the husband along with four other individuals, including a minor, in connection with the crime. The priest was tricked and summoned under a false pretense to perform a ritual and subsequently attacked with a suspension pipe, resulting in his death. The incident occurred on August 31. The priest’s body was discovered in the morning at the Path Baba temple complex, located within the Takhatpur police station limits, with severe head injuries. Upon receiving the report, the police, dog squad, and the FSL team were immediately dispatched to the scene. Bilaspur SSP Rajnesh Singh also reached the location. The police, based on statements from the family and acquaintances, investigated every aspect of the case. The inquiry revealed the priest’s illicit relationship, leading to the detention of suspects and ultimately solving the murder. The police arrested Suresh, Hemkumar, Dhanraj, Mukesh, and a minor.
Within a day, the police successfully apprehended the accused, bringing relief to the community. ASP Rural Archana Jha, SDOP Kota, the Takhatpur police station team, and the ACCU team were actively involved in the investigation. The investigation revealed that Suresh’s wife had been involved in an affair with the deceased priest. The illicit relationship reportedly started during farming activities conducted near the temple. The husband’s motive for the murder was rooted in his anger over the affair. According to police sources, Suresh and his wife had separated socially six months prior to the incident. The plan for the murder was formulated by Suresh on a Saturday night. He and his accomplices lured the priest by creating a situation involving a motorcycle ritual. They attacked the priest with a brick and a suspension pipe, killing him and then fleeing the scene. The police have arrested five individuals, including a minor, and the investigation continues.