Temple priest sets wife ablaze on suspicion of illicit relationship

A 35-yr old temple priest working in Sai Temple located in the Bhatapara district of Chhattisgarh suspecting his wife of having an extramarital affair allegedly set her ablaze. Initially, the priest tried to mislead the police by saying that his wife died due to a fire accident, however, in the course of the investigation the accused admitted to the crime.

Baloda Bazaar (Chhattisgarh): Ramnarayan Pandey (35), a temple priest in Chattisgarh's Bhatapara district, set his wife Mandakini Pandey (28) ablaze on suspicion that she was having an extramarital affair. Initially, the priest tried to mislead the police by saying that his wife died due to a fire accident, however, in the course of the investigation the accused admitted to the crime.

According to the police, the priest at first tried to kill his wife using a sharp weapon. However, when she did not die, the priest then locked her inside a room within the temple and set the temple room on fire. On seeing the blaze, the villagers gathered and informed the police about the incident.

Bhatapara Police on having reached the spot and began investigating the matter. Even forensic teams from Raipur were called in. It was during the interrogation that the priest confessed to his crime and he was arrested.