A cleanliness worker at the Kokkada Sri Kshetra Sauthadka was assaulted by a group of pilgrims on November 20. The victim, Mahendra Kollajepalike, suffered serious head injuries after the attack and collapsed. He was first taken to a local hospital and later transferred to a hospital in Mangaluru for further treatment.
Reports indicate that Mahendra was cleaning the toilet using his mobile phone’s flashlight when a group of pilgrims from Bengaluru, who were in the toilet complex, mistakenly believed he was filming them. In a sudden confrontation, over 20 pilgrims attacked him in suspicion.
The incident has been reported by the Temple Administrative Officer, K V Srinivas, who has filed a complaint at the Dharmasthala police station. The authorities are investigating the matter.
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