Ayodhya Priest Livestreams Suicide On Facebook, Blames Police

Ayodhya: A 28-year-old priest allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself here, reported PTI.

Ram Shankar Das, a priest at Narasimha temple, committed the desperate act on camera as he livestreamed the suicide on Facebook, blaming police harassment for his decision.

Ayodhya police said the body of Ram Shankar was found hanging in his room at the temple premises. Police broke opened the door when the priest did not show up for two days.

Ram Shankar had made a noose out of his cloth and hanged himself with its help, said police, adding that prima facie, it looked like suicide.

A few days ago, police had registered a case against Ram Shankar in connection with the disappearance of an elderly Mahant of the temple, by the name of Ram Sharan Das. The 80-year-old Ram Sharan is missing since January, and police suspected Ram Shankar had a role to play.

In the live video, Ram Shankar made serious allegations against the in-charge of Raiganj police outpost and a constable posted in his security.

Police outright dismissed Ram Shankar’s accusations.

“Priest Ram Shankar Das was addicted to drugs and he committed suicide under the influence of drugs. The allegations he made against the police are totally false,” Station House Officer of Kotwali police station Manoj Sharma said.

A probe has been launched and all aspects are being looked into, he added.