19:56
Bageshwar Dham head priest Dhirendra Shastri's brother, Shaligram Garg, and another individual were arrested on Wednesday for allegedly assaulting and firing at a man over a land dispute in Chhatarpur district, police said.
Garg and his three associates, including an unidentified person, were booked on Tuesday under sections pertaining to attempt to murder and assault of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) on a complaint of the victim, Moti Kushwaha (30).
Chhatarpur Additional Superintendent of Police Aditya Patle told PTI that Garg and Ankit Mishra have been arrested in connection with the incident that occurred on Tuesday afternoon in Kodha village under the Rajnagar police station area.
Police said Kushwaha was at his home when Garg and three others allegedly challenged him, attacked him with sticks and fired shots.
Kushwaha, who was referred to the district hospital after first aid, told the police that a bullet grazed his body.
The victim claimed that he was about to testify against Garg on behalf of one Jugal Kishore Pandey in a case related to alleged land encroachment, which triggered the attack, according to police.
Meanwhile, Dhirendra Shastri, also known as Baba Bageshwar Dham, said he had no connection with his younger brother, Shaligram Garg.
"If he is guilty, he should be punished according to the law," the godman added. -- PTI
