Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Five Arrested Over Alleged Darshan Extortion Near Kashi Temple
Police in Varanasi arrested five people near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
The police say the group approached visitors and offered to arrange easier darshan, which means viewing or visiting the temple deity.
They allegedly asked people for money for this help.
Police also say the group misbehaved with or abused people who refused.
CCTV cameras and information from an informant helped police make the arrests.
The arrests happened near Gate No.
4 on August 19.
The reports use different names for the law under which the arrests were made: BNSS in one report and BNS in another.
Further legal action is continuing.
Chowk Police arrested five people near Gate No. 4 of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple on August 19.
Police allege the suspects approached pilgrims and tourists while offering to arrange easier darshan.
The suspects allegedly demanded money and abused or misbehaved with people who resisted.
CCTV footage and information from a local informant reportedly led to the arrests.
Reports differ on whether the arrests were made under Section 170 of the BNSS or the BNS; legal proceedings are underway.
- Who
- Chowk Police arrested Lal Babu Pandey, Ashish Pandey, Dilip Pandey, Yash Dubey and Sushil Kumar Das.
- What
- The five were arrested over allegations of demanding money from pilgrims and tourists while promising easier temple darshan, and of misbehaving with those who resisted.
- When
- The arrests were made on August 19; one report describes the operation as occurring on a Wednesday.
- Where
- Near Gate No. 4 of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi.
- Why
- Police said CCTV footage and information from a local informant indicated alleged misconduct and money demands.
- Arrests
- Five people were arrested.
- Location
- Near Gate No. 4 of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi.
- Date
- August 19; the reports do not specify a year.
- Allegations
- Demanding money under the guise of arranging easier darshan and misbehaving with pilgrims and tourists.
- Evidence cited
- CCTV footage and information from a local informant.
- Accused identified
- Lal Babu Pandey, Ashish Pandey, Dilip Pandey, Yash Dubey and Sushil Kumar Das.
- Legal provision
- One report cites Section 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, while another cites Section 170 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
