Shahjahanpur Temple Horror: 2 Sadhus Allegedly Killed, Bodies Burned; Suspect Detained (Video)

Two sadhus were allegedly murdered at a temple in Uttar Pradesh's Shahjahanpur district and their bodies were later found in a burned condition, triggering a police investigation. The deceased have been identified as Baba Gopal Das, 70, and Baba Bihari Das, 60, who lived at a religious site in Sutha village under Khudaganj police station limits.

Villagers noticed smoke coming from the temple premises at around 7 am on Thursday and reached the spot. They found one body still burning, while the other had been severely burned. The two bodies were found around 10 metres apart, according to reports. Police, senior officers and a forensic team reached the spot after receiving information. Sultanpur Double Murder: School Principal and Wife Found Dead on School Premises.

2 Sadhus Found Burned at Shahjahanpur Temple

Shahjahanpur Police Detain Suspect

According to a statement issued by the Shahjahanpur Police, a local man named Sumit had been spending time with the two sadhus at the religious site in recent days. Police said a written complaint was submitted by Shiv Kumar, who is described as the caretaker of the site. Who Are the 3 People Arrested in Prayagraj Cow Slaughter Case?

The police statement said villagers had told investigators that Sumit had allegedly asked the two sadhus to leave the premises, saying that he wanted to stay there and have control over the place. Police said this dispute is being considered a preliminary possible motive, while the investigation continues.

Sumit, who had reportedly recently been released from jail after obtaining bail, has been taken into custody for questioning. Police said a case is being registered against him based on the written complaint and that further action will depend on the evidence collected during the investigation.

Bodies Sent For Post-Mortem

Police and forensic teams collected physical evidence from the scene before the bodies were sent for post-mortem examination. Investigators are expected to determine the exact cause and time of death through the post-mortem and forensic examination.

The police have not said that the alleged motive has been conclusively established. The circumstances surrounding the deaths, the burning of the bodies and the sequence of events are part of the ongoing investigation.

Who Were The Two Sadhus?

According to local accounts, Gopal Das had been living at the temple for around two decades and was known for delivering religious discourses. Bihari Das was reportedly from Sutha village and had become Gopal Das's disciple around a month before the incident.

Police said the investigation will continue and that action will be taken on the basis of evidence and facts that emerge during the probe.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 01, 2026 12:01 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).