Temple Priest Murder Case: Letter Petition to Rajasthan HC Chief Justice Seeks Central Agency Investigation

Six people burn a temple priest over land encroachment  

The priest, who is reported to have been trying to stop temple land encroachment, died from burn injuries. He was burnt to death by 6 people who were eyeing to encroach upon the temple land. He was rushed to Jaipur's SMS Hospital where he died the next evening.  

The priest’s statement was recorded before the Rajasthan police. In his statement, he said that six people poured petrol on his bales of bajra (millet) which were lying at the disputed land and set it on fire. He claimed they also poured petrol on him and tried to set him on fire.  

The letter petition sought an urgent hearing of the case 

A letter petition has been addressed to the Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court, Indrajit Mahanty. The letter petition was addressed by Supreme Court advocate Pawan Prakash Pathak.  The petition seeks a central investigation agency probe into the incident. The letter sought for an urgent hearing of the case and stated, 

“It is humbly prayed that (the Court) may initiate appropriate proceedings on this letter petition excursion inherent powers and list for urgent hearing before the appropriate Bench". 

Primary duty of the State to provide protection to its citizens 

The letter stated that it is the primary duty of the State to provide protection to every citizen and to preserve human dignity through various facilities and conditions. 

The petition stated, "Justice S.Rajendra Babu & Justice S. N. Phukan has rightly observed in the case of S. S. Ahuwalaia v. Union of India and others that, Article 21 of the Constitution stated that, the state to create a climate where members of the society belonging to a different faith, caste and creed live together and therefore, the state has a duty to protect their life, liberty, and worth of an individual which should not be endangered."  

Victim's family should be provided protection  

The letter had also asked for a restraining order against the accused and others who might intend to cause harm or damage to the victim’s family. 

“It is humbly prayed that (the Court) provide the victims (with) immediate protection as they are under immense and constant threat.”