Illegal Extortion and Misconduct Alleged at Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Advocate Seeks Strict Action
Kashi Vishwanath Temple has come under controversy after serious allegations of illegal extortion and hooliganism surfaced within the temple premises during the darshan process.
According to a complaint submitted to the Divisional Commissioner of Varanasi, advocate Dilip Mishra, a resident of Gangapuri Colony, Phulwaria, alleged that a group of alleged touts operating inside the temple premises has been forcibly collecting money from devotees and misbehaving with those who object.
As per the complaint, the incident took place on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at around 4:15 AM when the advocate was standing in the queue meant for local devotees during the early morning darshan. He alleged that a man identified as Rupesh Maurya was illegally allowing people into the queue in exchange for money.
When the advocate protested, the accused allegedly tried to pull him out of the line, abused him, and forcibly snatched a ₹200 note kept in the pocket of his T-shirt. The complainant further alleged that during the altercation, his puja materials were thrown away and damaged.
The advocate claimed that several associates of the accused later gathered at the spot and created a ruckus. He also raised questions over the role of police personnel and temple staff present there, alleging that they remained silent spectators during the entire incident.
In his complaint, Dilip Mishra stated that the alleged gang has previously been involved in similar incidents of extortion and misbehavior with devotees and advocates visiting the temple.
He has demanded that CCTV footage from 4:15 AM to 4:50 AM on May 20 be preserved and examined for a fair investigation. He further urged the administration to take strict legal action against those involved and ensure a transparent, safe, and hassle-free darshan system for devotees at the temple.
