Hindu groups call bandh to protest priests’ killing

NAGPUR - Hindu groups Saturday called for a bandh in Yavatmal district of Maharashtra to protest the killings of two temple priests.

Calling for a district bandh, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bajrang Dal alleged that the murderers were criminals staying in the temple. The two priests and a security guard of the Mahadev temple in Arni, 200 km from here and close to the Andhra Pradesh border, were found murdered Friday.

“The bandh has been called by these parties keeping in mind the Hindu sentiments and the law and order situation that has gone for a toss,” said Kishor Tiwari, a Nagpur-based Hindu activist.

The police have not found any clue in the murders case yet.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has condemned the murders and asked the police to expedite the investigations, said Tiwari.

Devotees found the three bodies when they reached the temple for prayers at dawn.

Police have set up checkposts at all roads leading out of the Yavatmal district to arrest those responsible for the killings.