Cops outside Gorakhnath temple attacked, assailant shouted religious slogans

New Delhi: In a major security breach outside the Gorakhnath temple, two police constables were attacked by an unknown assailant on Sunday night. The constables, attacked by a sharp-edged weapon, received injuries and are undergoing treatment.

The 29-year-old youth was also raised religious slogans while forcing his way inside the temple complex. He was overpowered by the security personnel and taken into custody. The reason behind attack is not yet known but it was an unprovoked attack on the cops.

According to police, the youth was identified as Ahmed Murtaza, a native of Gorakhpur, who recently came to the city from Gorakhpur. The incident happened when PAC officials were checking the visitors in temple and created a frenzied atmosphere as the youth brandished a sharp weapon and attacked two constables.

One constable was injured in leg while the other was stabbed in the back by sharp weapon, carried by attacker. The assailant was caught and beaten black & blue by the people before being taken into custody by police.

The youth was overpowered by constables & was taken to hospital along with 2 injured police personnel.

Following the election of Yogi Adityanath as UP CM, the Gorakhnath temple has emerged as political power centre and is often visited by top dignitaries. CM Yogi Adityanath continues to remain the head priest of the Gorakhnath temple.

Under Yogi’s tenure, the state government has stepped up security of the temple complex owing to frequent visits by top leaders & govt functionaries. An Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) post has been created for shielding the complex from threats. The govt had cleared the proposal in January this year, based on UP police’s proposal.