Firing, Assault Reported Inside Ayodhya’s Hanuman Garhi Complex; Police Probe Temple Dispute Angle

An incident of violence has come to light from the sacred Hanuman Garhi complex in Ayodhya, where a firing and assault allegedly took place on the night of October 13, officials said today.

According to a police report filed at Ram Janmabhoomi police station, the driver of senior Hanuman Garhi priest Mahant Hemant Das, identified as Raju Yadav, has accused Saint Mama Das, also known as Prabhuram Tiwari, and four of his associates of assaulting him and attempting to shoot him with a pistol.

The incident reportedly occurred around 11 pm at the Imli Bagh area within the Hanuman Garhi premises. Raju claimed that Mahant Hemant Das had arrived at Imli Bagh, and his Scorpio vehicle was parked at the roadside when Mama Das arrived in an SUV with a blaring siren.

An argument ensued, during which Mama Das allegedly hurled abuses and, upon protest, pulled out a pistol and fired at Raju. The bullet missed, narrowly avoiding serious injury.

Following the firing, four associates of Mama Das, Sant Manoj Das, Ashish Das, Hanuman Das, and Jitendra Das, allegedly joined in and brutally assaulted Raju with sticks and rods. Raju sustained serious injuries to his head and back, and also suffered a fractured wrist.

The formal complaint was filed by Raju on the afternoon of October 14, and a case has been registered against all five accused. Police have launched search operations at various locations in an attempt to locate and arrest them.

Sources suggest that the root of the conflict lies in an ongoing power struggle between Mahant Hemant Das and Mama Das over influence within the Hanuman Garhi temple complex.

Hemant Das, known for his close ties to senior saints and political leaders, is considered one of the most influential young saints in Ayodhya. He is a disciple of the late Mahant Gyan Das, former president of the Akhara Parishad.

On the other hand, Mama Das claims affiliation with the Sagarhiya sect of Hanuman Garhi and presents himself as a close aide of Mahant Prem Das and his successor Dr. Mahesh Das.

He owns a lavish ashram near Imli Bagh, with a convoy of multiple vehicles. His name has also been linked to several high-value land and property transactions in Ayodhya and Lucknow, with reports suggesting assets worth nearly Rs 50 crore.

Mahant Hemant Das has expressed strong displeasure over the incident and has demanded strict action from the police and district administration.

Police investigations are ongoing.