Murderer of Bhuteshwar Temple Priest Still at Large Despite Two Weeks
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Shimla, August 27: Despite two weeks having passed since the tragic incident, the suspects involved in the murder of the priest at the Bhuteshwar Temple in Kaavanti remain evasive. The police station at Dhali continues its diligent efforts to unravel the mystery behind the murder, but as of now, no concrete leads have been found.
The Bhuteshwar Temple, an ancient place of worship in the Peeran Panchayat of Kaavanti, holds immense historical and religious significance for the local communities of seven panchayats – Peeran, Satlai, Dharech, Chiyog, Tayali, Shilabag, and Satog. The temple is dedicated to Bhuteshwar Devta and is situated near the Naltadi Khadd, a water stream flowing through the region. Despite being a challenging destination to reach, people hold deep faith in the temple.
The temple committee constructed the Bhuteshwar Temple over several years to accommodate the convenience of devotees. Sunil Das, originally from Maharashtra, had been serving as the priest since 2021. Prior to him, three other priests – Kamal, Sohan Lal, and Ram Das – had served in the temple. The temple complex houses shrines for various deities, including Durga, Mahishasura Mardini, Shiva Gaura, and Guru Granth Sahib.
On August 8, Sunil Das went missing under suspicious circumstances. His mobile phone was found switched off, adding to the uncertainty. On August 11, his lifeless body was discovered about 15 meters away from his residence amidst dense bushes. Preliminary investigations revealed signs of struggle on his body. Subsequently, a post-mortem examination was conducted by the police.
A forensic science team was called to the scene to gather evidence, and the police have been pursuing the investigation from all angles. The temple committee, represented by Khazan Singh (President) and Harichand Sharma (Secretary), has urged authorities to expedite the investigation to alleviate concerns and anxieties among the innocent residents.
Shimla’s Additional Superintendent of Police, Sunil Negi, assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway, and efforts to apprehend the suspects are in full swing.
The local community continues to await developments, hoping for swift justice in this unfortunate incident. The Bhuteshwar Temple, which has played a central role in the spiritual and cultural fabric of the region, remains a focal point for devotees seeking solace and divine blessings.
