Tension prevailed at Karneshwar Temple in Karnal on Saturday after Hindu organisations alleged that a Muslim man had been posing as a Hindu and performing religious rituals at the temple for several years. Police reached the spot after receiving information and said they are investigating the matter.
Hindu groups raise objections
Members of several Hindu organisations claimed they learnt about the issue on Saturday morning. They alleged that the man had been living as a Hindu and working as a priest at the temple for nearly 15 to 20 years.
They questioned how the temple management had appointed him without verifying his identity and alleged that he had been receiving a salary from the temple committee. According to the protesters, the man identified himself as Vakil, son of Hukam, during questioning.
A member of a Hindu organisation, Sunny, claimed that the man and his family had been living inside the temple premises. He also alleged that after the controversy surfaced, the man went into hiding inside the temple, prompting people to gather at the site.
Temple denies priest claim
However, the temple administration rejected the allegations.
Chief priest Shashthi Vallabh Pandey said the man was not a priest and had never conducted worship or religious rituals at the temple.
“He only works as a cleaner. He comes every day from Kutel village to clean the temple and does not perform any religious duties. His family also does not live in the temple premises,” Pandey said.
Police begin inquiry
Sector 32-33 police reached the temple after receiving information about the dispute.
Investigating officer Vinod Kumar said the police have started an inquiry and will speak to the man to verify his identity and background.
“We received information that a Muslim man was working as a priest in the temple. Our team reached the spot. We will question him and verify his complete profile. Further action will be taken only after the investigation is completed,” Kumar said.
Police have not confirmed the allegations made by the Hindu organisations, and the matter remains under investigation. No case has been registered so far, and officials said action, if any, will depend on the findings of the inquiry.
