Raja Bhaiya’s ‘shastra puja’ at MP temple sparks row, admn orders probe

Bhopal: A video purportedly showing UP MLA Raghuraj Pratap Singh, alias Raja Bhaiya, performing "shastra puja" inside the famous Sharda Devi shrine in MP's Maihar, which went viral on social media, prompted the temple and district administration to order a probe. Carrying arms inside the temple premises is prohibited.The video, which is with TOI, is of Feb 6 when the MLA visited the shrine with his supporters and allegedly carried a rifle into the temple premises.According to the footage, Raja Bhaiya was seen offering prayers inside the sanctum while a rifle, reportedly brought along by him, was handed over to the priest, who performed ritual worship by tying a chunari and placing garlands on it.The incident sparked criticism as the temple management committee had banned entry of weapons inside the shrine, a rule prominently displayed at the main entrance in view of public safety. Maihar SDM Divya Patel, who is also the administrator of the Sharda Devi temple, said the video came to the administration's notice and its authenticity was being verified. "We are getting the video verified. We got the video from external sources as it was circulated online. Taking arms inside the temple premises is banned. We are cross-checking the timing and date of the video with CCTV footage installed in the temple. If it is found to be correct, appropriate action will be taken against those present on duty and responsible," Patel told TOI.