PATNA: Clashes erupted between two factions of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) at Patna ISKCON temple premises in Bihar on Sunday evening, October 6, injuring many of the Bal Yogis (young monks).
According to the media reports, the clashes erupted between the two factions during a meeting called to resolve various issues including of embezzlement of money, obscene acts and other immoral activities being carried out in temple premises, as alleged by one of the section led by Bhagalpur ISKCON temple president.
The meeting was called after one of the faction of the monks recently approached the ISCKON’s Governing Body Commission in Kolkata, complaining about the wrongdoings at temple premises. However, when the young monks reached the temple premises for the meeting, they were allegedly beaten by private bouncer, leading to injuries to at least six people.
Many of the young disciples are seen being removed by a few people alleged to be private bouncer in the videos of the incident gone viral over the internet.
Amidst the development, a video purportedly featuring Patna ISKCON temple president Krishna Kripa Das alias Kanhaiya Singh in a semi-naked position with a girl also went viral, escalating the tension between the two groups. The video was reportedly released by Bhagalpur ISKCON temple president Rakshak Giridhari Das.
Moreover, while the clashes over the said video erupted on Sunday’s evening, the temple administration has reportedly informed the police that the said video was 6-7 years old.
Briefing over the development, Sub Division Police Officer (SDPO), Krishna Murari Prasad informed that a clash broke out between temple administration and Bal Yogis residing in ISKCON temple, Patna under Kotwali police station limits over administrative issues and other reasons. A few people have sustained injuries who have recorded their statements as well, they have labelled various kinds of accusations and we will investigate the matter thoroughly.
आज दिनांक 06.10.24 को #कोतवाली थानान्तर्गत इस्कॉन मंदिर में मंदिर के कुछ पुजारियों द्वारा आपसी विवाद को लेकर आपस में मारपीट किये जाने की सूचना प्राप्त हुई है I
पुलिस घटना की जांच कर रही है।
जांच एवं अग्रतर कार्रवाई के संबंध में @Dysplaopatna द्वारा दी गई बाईट@dm_patna… pic.twitter.com/YGaDYWb1iZ
— Patna Police (@PatnaPolice24x7) October 6, 2024
Whoever have received injuries are sent for medical examinations, whatever indiscipline has taken place needs a thorough investigation, it’s a public place and if anything like this has taken place which put questions regarding its discipline, then we will take strict action, he added.
Meanwhile, refuting the claims made by the Bhagalpur priest, the other faction has claimed that Rakshak Giridhar Das wanted a share in Patna’s temple authority and despite being transferred to Bhagalpur, he continued residing in Patna.
The Patna ISKCON temple administration has also filed a complaint against the other faction for entering the temple and assaulting the temple workers. As of now the allegations labelled by both the factions are being investigated by the authorities.
