Three Arrested for Killing Temple Guard, Looting Donation Box for ‘Fun’

Accused Went on Shopping Spree after Murder at Ranchi’s Jagannathpur Temple

Key Points:

• Three youths arrested for killing guard Birsa Munda at Jagannathpur Temple
• Over Rs 3 lakh looted from donation box; accused went shopping after crime
• SIT formed by Ranchi SSP cracks case using CCTV footage, technical analysis

RANCHI – Three young men from Ranchi have been arrested for allegedly murdering a temple guard and looting over Rs 3 lakh from a donation box at the centuries-old Jagannathpur Temple in Dhurwa, reportedly to fund their entertainment and shopping sprees.

The incident took place at the historic Jagannathpur Temple in Dhurwa, Ranchi. The guard, identified as Birsa Munda, was brutally killed after the three accused entered the temple premises. A donation box was then broken open, and cash exceeding Rs 3 lakh was stolen.

Following the crime, Ranchi SSP Rakesh Ranjan constituted a Special Investigation Team. The SIT conducted a thorough analysis of CCTV footage installed inside the temple. In addition, various technical aspects of the case were examined.

The investigation led to the arrest of three accused. They were identified as Dev Kumar alias Rachit Kumar, Vikash Mahli, and Ayush Kumar Datta — all residents of the Naya Colony area near Jagannathpur itself.

Upon interrogation, the three confessed to the crime. They told police the murder and robbery were carried out purely for personal entertainment. After committing the act, the trio reportedly visited various shops in Ranchi. They purchased expensive clothes and shoes. Moreover, the accused also held a party using the looted money.

Police recovered several items from the accused. These included Rs 3 lakh in cash, the stone used in the murder, an iron rod, a broken lock, newly purchased clothes, and shopping receipts. The recovery of receipts proved crucial in corroborating their post-crime activities.

The Jagannathpur Temple is one of Ranchi’s most significant religious sites, believed to be several hundred years old. The murder of a security guard within its premises had sent shock waves across the city.