Man accused of murdering two priests and burning their bodies in UP village

Authorities in Shahjahanpur district have arrested Sumit Singh on suspicion of murdering two senior priests who lived at a local temple. According to police, Singh struck Bihari Das, 60, and Gopal Das, 70, with a heavy object, then poured an inflammable substance over them and set their bodies ablaze in Sutha village. The motive appears to be Singh’s desire to assume control of the temple and the plot of land adjacent to it, which is recorded in Gopal Das’s name.

Singh, who had returned from jail in August, reportedly spent time with the priests before the attack. A murder case is now pending, and the victims’ remains have been sent for post-mortem analysis. Superintendent of police Saurabh Dixit confirmed the suspect’s custody and ongoing questioning.