Devotee under influence of narcotics assaults security guard; submits written apology !

Incident at Trimbakeshwar temple

Nashik – A video of a heated altercation between a devotee and a security guard within the premises of the renowned Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga temple circulated widely on social media. According to the temple trust, the devotee was under the influence of narcotic substances and assaulted the security guard. An inquiry confirmed that the individual had consumed narcotics.

When the police reached the spot and conducted an investigation, it was found that the person belonged to an educated family and had committed the act while intoxicated. The matter was closed after the individual submitted a written apology.

Temple trust trustee Kailas Ghule stated that the devotee had been sitting in meditation in the darshan queue from 5.45 am for over an hour, causing inconvenience to other devotees waiting for entry. When a security guard objected, the individual attempted to enter the sanctum without wearing the prescribed ritual attire and tried to force entry. During the altercation, the devotee grabbed the guard by the throat and injured him, after which other security personnel removed the individual from the premises.

Editorial Perspectives

• It is the duty of Hindus not to consume narcotic substances before visiting a temple. Those who cannot follow temple norms should be denied entry into the temple premises. Youth must stay away from addictions and make conscious efforts to preserve the sanctity of temples.
• Temple administrations are expected to function not merely as administrators, but as protectors of Dharma who actively safeguard the sanctity of temples.