A deeply disturbing incident on Monday (December 1, 2025) has shaken the faith of devotees at the ancient Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple in the Ghatampur area of Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur district. Two Muslim men allegedly entered the sanctum sanctorum without removing their shoes and urinated inside, desecrating one of the holiest parts of the temple. When the priest and temple trustee tried to stop them, the youths allegedly abused them and got into a physical scuffle.
According to reports, the incident took place at Shivhari Dham in Bichhipur village, under the jurisdiction of the Reuna police station. The Muslim duo reached the temple on a motorcycle, walked directly into the sanctum with their shoes on, and urinated there.
Shockingly, they then climbed atop the temple dome to take photographs, leaving devotees stunned. However, priest Shivkumar Dwivedi gathered the courage to confront them.
Priest breaks down while narrating ordeal
Speaking to the media in tears, Dwivedi said: “They did things that cannot even be described. When I opposed them, they hurled hundreds of abuses at me. They even called their father, a police sub-inspector, right from the temple premises. When he arrived, they continued hurling abuse at me in front of him, and he did nothing to stop them.”
He further alleged that the police officer used his position to pressurize temple authorities into suppressing the matter.
“We were humiliated so badly. Even the officer was right here. Who do we appeal to now for justice?” Dwivedi asked, visibly shaken.
Police intervene, arrests made
Upon learning about the incident, Ghatampur ACP Krishnakant Yadav rushed to the site. Based on the priest’s written complaint, an FIR was registered and both Muslim accused were arrested promptly.
“The investigation will be fair. Whether the accused are children of a policeman or anyone else, the law is the same for all. Strict legal action will be taken based on facts,” ACP Yadav assured.
Kanpur Police clarify: Photography dispute, arrests still made
The Kanpur Nagar Commissionerate later stated that the incident stemmed largely from a dispute over photography inside the shrine, and both individuals were detained to prevent escalation. The police reiterated that legal action has already been taken and that the situation did not spiral into any broader communal tension.
दिनांक 01.12.2025 को शिवहरी धाम मंदिर परिसर के पास फोटोग्राफी को लेकर दो व्यक्तियों व मंदिर कर्मियों के बीच विवाद की सूचना पर पुलिस पहुँची और दोनों को शांति-व्यवस्था हेतु थाने लाया गया।दिनांक 02.12.2025 को प्रथम पक्ष की तहरीर पर सुसंगत धाराओं मे अभियोग पंजीकृत किया गया है। दोनों…
— POLICE COMMISSIONERATE KANPUR NAGAR (@kanpurnagarpol) December 3, 2025
Hindu groups demand strict action
The incident has triggered outrage among local residents and Hindu organizations. Members of Bajrang Dal and Hindu Jagran Manch reached the temple and demanded severe punishment for the accused. They have also submitted a memorandum to the administration insisting that justice must be swift and uncompromised.
