Archive · 1 Oct 2026
Two Priests Killed, Bodies Burned at Uttar Pradesh Temple
Two elderly priests were found dead at a temple in Uttar Pradesh.
Their bodies had been burned.
The priests were named Gopal Das and Bihari Das.
Police learned about the deaths at about 7 a.m.
on Thursday.
The temple was in Sootha village in Shahjahanpur district.
Police detained a local man who had recently been released on bail.
They are investigating whether he killed the priests over the temple’s property.
Forensic experts collected evidence, and the bodies were sent for examination and autopsy.
Priests Gopal Das, 70, and Bihari Das, 60, were found dead at a temple in Sootha village.
Police received information about the bodies at around 7 a.m. Thursday.
The victims reportedly lived at the temple premises in Shahjahanpur district.
Police are questioning a local alleged “goon” who recently received bail and has been detained.
Investigators are probing allegations that the killings were linked to an attempt to seize temple property.
- Who
- Priests Gopal Das, 70, and Bihari Das, 60, were the victims; police detained a local alleged “goon” as a suspect.
- What
- Two priests were killed and their bodies were set on fire at a temple.
- When
- Thursday morning; police received information at around 7 a.m.
- Where
- A temple in Sootha village, Shahjahanpur district, Uttar Pradesh, under Khudaganj police station jurisdiction.
- Why
- Police are probing an allegation that the killings were intended to seize temple property; the motive has not been established.
Police Investigation
Unproven Allegation
Possible motive
Police Investigation
Police are investigating allegations that a recently bailed local alleged “goon” killed the priests to seize temple property.
Unproven Allegation
The reported motive remains an allegation under investigation, and the article does not establish that the detained suspect committed the killings.
- Victims
- Gopal Das, 70, and Bihari Das, 60
- Location
- Temple premises in Sootha village, Shahjahanpur district
- State
- Uttar Pradesh
- Reported time
- Around 7 a.m. Thursday
- Suspect status
- A local alleged “goon” was detained and questioned
- Investigation
- Forensic evidence was collected, and the remains were sent for examination and autopsy
- Alleged motive
- Police are probing a possible attempt to grab temple property