Priest Expelled Following Viral Photo Sparks Controversy

A viral photo allegedly showing Prashant Giri, a temple priest, consuming non-vegetarian food led to his expulsion by his father, the temple 'mahant'. The incident provoked a mob reaction and subsequent assault on Giri, while his whereabouts remain unknown as police investigate the breach of peace.

Prashant Giri, a priest at the Baba Shri Bhuteshwar Dham Temple, has been expelled from temple duties following a viral photo purportedly showing him eating non-vegetarian food, officials confirmed Tuesday.

The controversy erupted after the photo circulated, drawing a mob to the temple in Keshavpuram. Giri's father, the temple's mahant, Santosh Giri, announced the expulsion, highlighting his disturbance over the incident.

Police investigations are ongoing as the priest's whereabouts remain unknown. The situation has sparked preventive police actions for breach of peace, amidst conflicting accounts and heightened tensions within the community.

(With inputs from agencies.)