Ranchi: A late-night robbery attempt at the revered Jagannathpur Temple turned tragic when a security guard was brutally killed while trying to stop the attackers, police said on Friday.
The victim, 55-year-old Birsa Munda, was on duty at the temple when a group of unidentified criminals entered the premises on Thursday night. According to investigators, the miscreants gained access through an unlocked gate and attempted to loot cash from the donation box. When Munda intervened, he was attacked and beaten to death.
Ranchi Senior Superintendent of Police Rakesh Ranjan said initial findings point to both robbery and murder as key angles in the case. Police teams are examining CCTV footage from the temple and have reportedly identified a suspect.
The shocking incident has raised serious concerns over security arrangements in the area, especially given the temple’s proximity to the Jharkhand State Assembly, a designated high-security zone.
The Bharatiya Janata Party has strongly criticised the state government, calling the incident a reflection of deteriorating law and order. Party spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo described the crime as deeply disturbing and questioned how such an attack could occur in a sensitive area.
Meanwhile, P.K. Mishra, Deputy Superintendent of Police, confirmed that forensic experts and a dog squad are assisting in the investigation. A case has been registered against unknown assailants, and efforts are ongoing to track them down swiftly.
The incident also drew reactions from Congress leader Ajay Nath Shahdeo, who demanded adequate compensation for the victim’s family and urged authorities to strengthen security in high-profile zones.
Police say they are pursuing all leads and expect a breakthrough soon.
With inputs from IANS