Archive · 18 Nov 2025
UP Temple Priest Murdered Near Police Post; Theft Suspected
A temple priest in Uttar Pradesh was found murdered near a police post.
The police think someone wanted to steal valuable items from the temple and killed the priest.
This is not the first such incident in the state, with over 40 sadhus killed in the last six years.
Some people think these murders are meant to scare priests, but the police are still trying to find out why these things happen.
UP temple priest Manoj Shankhwar found murdered near police post
Police suspect theft as motive for murder
Priest strangled and legs tied, CCTV camera damaged
Hindutva groups allege murder aimed at terrorizing priests
Over 40 sadhus killed in UP in the last six years
- Who
- Manoj Shankhwar, a 40-year-old temple priest
- What
- was found murdered near a police post in Uttar Pradesh
- When
- on Monday
- Where
- at a temple named after Sai Baba in Budaun district
- Why
- police suspect theft as the motive
Police Perspective
Hindutva Groups' Perspective
Motive for Murder
Police Perspective
Theft of valuable items
Hindutva Groups' Perspective
Terrorizing priests across the state
- Temple Location
- Newada, Budaun district, Uttar Pradesh
- Priest's Tenure
- 15 years
- Number of Gods Worshipped
- Multiple
- Murder Method
- Strangled with a cloth, legs tied
- CCTV Camera Status
- Damaged
- Total Sadhus Killed in UP (Last 6 Years)
- Over 40