NEW DELHI: Following the killing of a 35-year-old sewadar at Kalkaji temple, the priests and management have announced a series of measures to strengthen security at the shrine.
The victim, Yogendra Singh, who had served at the temple for nearly 15 years, was allegedly beaten to death on Friday night after an argument over the prasad distribution.
Sidharth Bhardwaj, Secretary of the Shri Kalkaji Mandir Prabandhak Sudhar Committee, said the safety of devotees, sewadars, and priests was their top priority. “Temples are sacred spaces where faith and tradition converge. It is our duty to ensure peace and safety for all,” Bhardwaj said.
Key steps include installing a state-of-the-art 24/7 CCTV surveillance system across the premises, deploying trained security guards at critical points, and enforcing strict access control with visitor screening. The management is also working closely with local police to align security protocols and conduct regular safety drills. The committee has urged devotees to cooperate with the new measures and remain vigilant to help maintain sanctity and harmony within the shrine.
Meanwhile, Delhi Police has formed multiple teams to arrest the remaining suspects, officials said. Five men have been arrested so far, including the prime accused, Atul Pandey, who was caught on the spot by locals. On Saturday, police arrested four others — identified as Mohan alias Bhura, his cousin Kuldeep Bidhuri, Nitin Pandey, and Anil Kumar.
“Efforts are underway to trace others allegedly involved in the assault,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) Hemant Tiwari said, adding that dedicated teams are reviewing CCTV footage, analysing technical evidence, and questioning people as part of the probe.
According to police and family members, the attackers dragged Singh out after he refused their demand for chunni prasad, explaining the stock had finished. He was beaten with sticks and struck repeatedly, the injuries proving fatal. The incident has stunned the temple community and raised fresh concerns about safety for volunteers and staff.
Singh’s younger brother, Kaushal, described the family’s devastation and appealed for government support. He said Yogendra supported his wife and children through his temple work and highlighted the urgent medical and financial needs of his six-year-old daughter with a disability, estimating treatment costs of over `1 lakh. “We are requesting financial assistance from the government so her treatment can continue,” Kaushal said, demanding the strictest punishment for all involved so the crime does not go unpunished.
Other sewadars expressed fear and called for enhanced security arrangements at the temple, saying the attack had shattered their sense of safety and trust. Police said all remaining accused would be arrested soon as investigations continue.
Victim’s brother appeals for govt’s financial aid
Victims’s brother appealed for government support. He said Singh had supported his wife and children through his temple work and stressed the medical and financial needs of his six-year-old daughter with a disability. “We are requesting financial aid from the government so her treatment can continue,” the brother said.