Indore, June 16 (IANS) A 70-year-old trustee of a 150-year-old temple in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore was allegedly beaten to death by the temple’s watchman in the early hours of Tuesday, police said, adding that the accused has been arrested.

The deceased, Kailash Modi, was a trustee of the historic temple located in the Annapurna area of the city.

The incident occurred around 5:30 a.m. inside the temple premises and was captured on CCTV cameras installed there.

According to police, Kailash Modi had arrived at the temple as part of his daily routine when he was allegedly attacked by the watchman, identified as Mukesh Sharma.

The CCTV footage purportedly shows Sharma assaulting the elderly trustee with a wooden stick.

Kailash Modi sustained severe injuries in the attack and collapsed on the premises. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Shivendu Joshi said the accused was arrested soon after the incident.

“The accused, Mukesh Sharma, has been arrested. Preliminary investigation suggests that he assaulted Kailash Modi with a stick. We are questioning him to ascertain the circumstances and motive behind the crime,” Joshi told reporters.

Police have seized the stick allegedly used in the assault and collected CCTV footage as evidence.

A forensic team also examined the crime site, while statements of temple staff and other witnesses are being recorded.

According to preliminary investigation, the accused was employed as a watchman at the temple.

Police are probing whether there had been any dispute between him and the trustee before the incident.

Officials said all possible angles, including personal and workplace-related issues, are being examined.

“The CCTV footage has helped establish the sequence of events and forms an important part of the evidence. Further investigation is underway,” ACP Joshi said.

The incident has shocked devotees and residents of the area, particularly because it took place inside a temple with a history of more than 150 years and involved a senior member of its management.

A case of murder has been registered against the accused, and further investigation is underway.

–IANS

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