Temple Turmoil: Clash between Priests and Devotees at Jotiba Temple

A conflict broke out at Jotiba Temple, Kolhapur, between priests and devotees after a palanquin procession faced obstruction. The incident involved manhandling from both sides, and a video has gone viral. The village head intervened, and cases have been registered against the involved parties.

An altercation erupted at Jotiba Temple in Kolhapur when priests and devotees clashed over a procession obstruction, according to reports received on Monday from police officials.

The conflict began when a temple palanquin was obstructed by dancing devotees from Karveer village carrying a 'shashan kathi', a sacred stick commonly used in religious ceremonies, leading to priests intervening to clear the path.

This intervention led to a violent fracas between the priests and 15 devotees, which necessitated the village head's involvement, leading to a written apology submission. Law enforcement has issued notices and continues its investigation under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

(With inputs from agencies.)