A prominent monastery in Chandresal village, Rajasthan’s Kota district, was shaken by a shocking murder as Mahant Devanand Maharaj, the head, was brutally killed by unidentified assailants. The incident occurred late on Friday night when the attackers entered his room and stabbed him multiple times with sharp-edged weapons. Despite the arrival of ‘sevadars’ and villagers upon hearing his cries, the assailants managed to escape in the darkness.
Police investigations revealed that the attackers had confined another resident Mahant in his room before committing the crime. Devanand Maharaj was found in a critical condition, lying in a pool of blood, and was rushed to Maharao Bhim Singh (MBS) Hospital in Kota. Tragically, doctors pronounced him dead due to severe blood loss and multiple stab wounds.
The motive behind the murder is yet to be determined by the authorities. Locals described Devanand Maharaj as a gentle religious leader who had no known personal conflicts. Investigators are exploring various possibilities, including personal disputes, land and asset conflicts related to the monastery, and the potential of a robbery gone violent.
Forensic experts and a dog squad have been dispatched to the crime scene to gather evidence. The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team collected blood samples and fingerprints from the room. Police are interrogating ‘sevadars’, villagers, and recent visitors, while also reviewing CCTV footage for any suspicious activities.
The murder of a revered religious figure inside the monastery has sparked anger among residents and Hindu organizations. Protests demanding swift justice have erupted, with calls for the immediate apprehension of the culprits. Additional police forces have been deployed to maintain order in Chandresal village and at the hospital mortuary.
Senior police officials have urged for calm, assuring the public of ongoing efforts to solve the case. Suman Chand, ASP, Kota, stated that investigations are comprehensive, focusing on all aspects of the crime scene to identify and track down the perpetrators.
