Ayodhya:
One person was killed while at least two others were critically injured in an exchange of gunfire between two rival groups of 'Mahants' at the premises of famous Hanumangarhi temple in Ayodhya, close to the disputed Ramjanmbhoomi-Babri mosque site today.
The two groups, being led by Mahant Bhavnath Das and Mahant Harishankar Das, both belonging to different sect of Hanumangarhi temple, were for long involved in dispute over properties and wealth being collected by temple from devotees, according to sources.
The incident happened this afternoon in the temple premises which falls in the red security zone of Ayodhya.
Faizabad Superintendent of Police, Rakesh Saksena, told PTI that the police is investigating the matter.
Faizabad SSP, KB Singh, said that written complaints had been received from both the sides and the police was in the process of filing a First Information Report or FIR.
However, the local police is not ready to reveal any facts regarding the incident.
Mahant Bhavnath Das is considered a powerful priest of Ayodhya due to his proximity with a political party. While the other group, led by Mahant Harishankar Das, enjoys a good following among saints of Hanumangarhi.