An incident at the Khereshwar Mahadev Temple in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, has hurt the sentiments of local residents and the temple priest after a suspended primary-school teacher was allegedly caught placing pieces of meat near the Shivling.
The incident first came to light on Oct 31, when temple staff discovered meat pieces near the Shivling during the evening cleaning. CCTV footage was subsequently examined, reportedly showing a man entering the temple with a black polythene bag and placing something near the Shivling.
The temple management began looking for the individual. On Tuesday morning, Nov 3, the same man returned to the temple and was recognised by the chief priest, Prahlad Giri. When the priest attempted to stop him, the man allegedly threatened to kill him. Hearing the commotion, temple committee members and devotees rushed in and caught him. Police were called and took him into custody.
Who is the accused?
The accused was identified as Anwaruddin, 47, a resident of Dhaurra Mafi, near the local mosque in Aligarh. He was reportedly working as an assistant teacher at a government primary school in Ganeshpur village, Piswa area, but had already been suspended from service for not appearing for the job.
When questioned by locals, he allegedly gave varying and incoherent explanations. In one account, he claimed that he had been instructed in a dream to place meat at the temple so that his wishes would be fulfilled. He also reportedly mentioned Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, at different points claiming that they had directed him to do so.
He further claimed that he had been visiting the temple for the past 10–15 years and had been following certain tantra-mantra practices. Reports also state that he claimed to live near the temple. These statements have not been independently established as facts.
Suspended govt teacher Mohammad Anawaruddin placed meat pieces on Shivling at Khereshwar Mahadev Temple, Aligarh. Locals caught him red-handed and handed him to police. He claims “God came in dream & ordered me.” https://t.co/DqjaICGGWJ
— Team Hindu United (@TeamHinduUnited) November 4, 2026
Local anger and police action
Following the incident, angry locals allegedly assaulted the accused before handing him over to the police. Videos circulating online show him with a bloodied mouth while being questioned by residents, repeatedly mentioning Putin and Trump and making statements that appeared incoherent.
Members of the Karni Sena and other local activists also gathered at the police station, demanding that the accused be handed over to them. Police intervened and kept him in custody. An FIR was registered, and he was arrested and sent to judicial custody. The teacher has also been suspended from his government school position, according to reports
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