Dhirendra Shastri Says Brother's Alleged Firing Case Has No Connection To Him Personally

Bageshwar Dham chief priest Dhirendra Krishna Shastri has distanced himself from his estranged brother Shaligram following allegations that the latter was involved in a firing incident linked to a land dispute in Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur district. Shastri said he has no connection with his brother or his family and urged authorities to allow the law to take its course, stressing that those found guilty should face the strictest punishment.

The incident took place within the jurisdiction of Rajnagar Police Station, where Shaligram has been accused of allegedly opening fire on a man identified as Motilal Kushwaha during a dispute over land. According to Chhatarpur Superintendent of Police Rajat Saklecha, the altercation stemmed from a property-related conflict. The injured man was shifted to the district hospital for treatment, while police launched an investigation into the allegations.

Responding to the controversy, Dhirendra Krishna Shastri said he had publicly clarified his relationship with Shaligram several years ago and reiterated that he has no personal or family ties with him. "I had already spoken about Shaligram ji three years ago. I have no connection with him; in fact, I have no ties to my family. Since the Chhatarpur district and my family are vast, incidents of one kind or another keep happening here. Let the law take its course and appropriate legal action be taken; whoever is responsible should face the strictest possible punishment. I earnestly request that I not be dragged into every single matter," Shastri told ANI.

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The complainant, Motilal Kushwaha, alleged that Shaligram and several others assaulted him before opening fire. He claimed that three to four rounds were fired from a pistol and that he was struck on the head and near the ear with a stick during the attack. Kushwaha further alleged that the accused were attempting to forcibly occupy village land and accused Shaligram of previously taking control of several parcels of land in the area. He said he personally witnessed Shaligram firing the weapon during the confrontation.

Police have not yet confirmed the allegations made by the complainant, and no official statement has been issued regarding arrests or charges in the case. Investigators are recording statements, gathering evidence, and examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack. Authorities have indicated that further legal action will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation. The case has drawn public attention because of the alleged involvement of the brother of the prominent religious leader, although Shastri has categorically maintained that he has no association with him and has called for an impartial legal process.

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