Dalit Man Alleges Barabanki Temple Entry Denial, Priest Claims Molestation

Fast Summary

• A Dalit youth, 27-year-old Shailendra, alleged he was stopped from offering prayers at the Lodheshwar Mahadev Temple in Barabanki district, Uttar Pradesh, and claims he was beaten and subjected to casteist abuse by priest Aditya Tiwari.
• the priest filed a counter complaint claiming Shailendra molested his daughter-in-law.
• Both sides have filed police complaints. Investigations are underway – including review of CCTV footage – to verify claims.
• The incident occurred at the Lodheshwar Mahadev Temple, considered one of India’s sacred shakti Peethas visited by lakhs during Sawan.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The reported incident highlights tensions surrounding India’s ongoing struggles with caste-based discrimination as well as its highly revered religious spaces being marred by disputes. Allegations from both sides-casteist abuse versus molestation-underscore how such confrontations can quickly escalate into legal and social conflict. Given the meaning of Lodheshwar Mahadev Temple as a sacred site, any breach of civility has broader implications for communal harmony in culturally sensitive spaces. It is crucial for authorities to conduct an impartial investigation using all available evidence like CCTV footage to ensure justice without playing into prejudices or sensationalism.

Read more: Published – July 12, 2025