Gonda (Uttar Pradesh): A priest in Uttar Pradesh was shot at in Gonda district over a long-standing property dispute. Two people have been arrested, police said.
The incident occurred late Saturday. The victim, Samrat Das, serves as a 'pujari' at the Ram Janki temple.
He was admitted to a local hospital but had to be referred to Lucknow for treatment early Sunday as his condition was critical. After the treatment, his condition is said to be stable
Samrat Das was shot from close range. The bullet hit his shoulder.
An FIR has been registered against four people.
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The top police officers reached the spot as soon as the incident was reported and the crime is being investigated.
According to the reports, the land mafia is eyeing the land worth crores of rupees in the name of the temple. A few days ago, a dispute broke out between the priest and some people of the village over the land.
After this, Samrat Das was also provided security by the police. Two home guard jawans were deployed for his security.
With inputs from PTI
