Temple priest found murdered

A temple priest was murdered during the early hours of Thursday, after he refused to solemnise the marriage of a minor girl in his temple.

According to police, Karthik Raja, 32, a resident of Washermanpet, ran a small temple inside a hut. On Thursday, he was found lying in a pool of blood outside his house. A complaint was lodged at the Washermanpet police station.

During the investigation, it was found that recently, Karthik Raja was requested by Ezhumalai to solemnise the marriage of his friend with a minor girl. However, the victim refused and the two men got into a verbal duel.

“In a fit of rage, Karthik Raja verbally abused both the minor girl and Ezhumalai’s wife,” said a police officer. Ezhumalai left the spot in anger. On Wednesday night, he found Karthik Raja sleeping outside his house, dropped a boulder on his head and stabbed him with a knife.

The police have arrested Ezhumalai and further investigation is on.