A troubling incident unfolded near Chamundipuram when a dispute over donated funds led to one priest physically attacking another in public.
Keshavmurthy, chairman of the Geetamrutha Charitable Trust, was assaulted by Sridhar Aaradhya, a priest from Sabbanaguppe village in Mandya district. The trust, established by Keshavmurthy, was set up to build cowsheds, vedashalas, and temples.
According to reports, Sridhar had earlier contributed ₹10 lakh to the trust. Shortly afterward, he demanded the money back. Under pressure, Keshavmurthy returned ₹5 lakh through an organization named SVP Enterprises. However, when Sridhar continued insisting on repayment of the remaining amount, Keshavmurthy explained that donations could not be refunded as per trust rules.
Despite being cautioned by the police earlier, Sridhar allegedly continued threatening and verbally abusing Keshavmurthy. Witnesses say he used vulgar language and made obscene threats, including telling Keshavmurthy to “make your wife sleep with me.”
The situation escalated when Keshavmurthy visited an SBI branch in Chamundipuram. Sridhar confronted him outside the bank, hurled more abusive insults, and struck him in the nose with a key, causing injury.
Following the assault, Keshavmurthy lodged a formal complaint at the K.R. Police Station. Sridhar Aaradhya has been arrested and booked under relevant sections for assault and criminal intimidation.
The incident has shocked the local community, highlighting how donation-related disputes can spiral into violence.