Nagpur: A 55-year-old man has been accused of allegedly extorting money from a Hanuman temple priest in Nagpur’s Jaripatka area by threatening to demolish the temple and lock its premises. The incident was reported near Indora Chowk on Kamptee Road, where the complainant, identified as Ritesh Durgashankar Pandey (26), works as a priest at the Hanuman temple. 

According to the police complaint, the accused, identified as Pramod Bhagchandani (55), a resident of Parvati Tower, Indora Chowk, allegedly demanded ₹10,000 every month and subsequently increased his demand to ₹1 lakh.

According to the complaint, the accused allegedly visited the temple between September 12 and September 26, 2026, and demanded money from the priest, claiming that the temple was constructed on illegally occupied land. He allegedly threatened to demolish the structure or lock the temple if his financial demands were not met. The complainant stated that he had paid ₹10,000 on multiple occasions due to the alleged threats and intimidation. However, the accused reportedly continued pressuring him and demanded an additional ₹1 lakh, prompting the priest to approach the police.

Based on the complaint filed by Ritesh Pandey, Jaripatka Police registered a case against Pramod Bhagchandani on November 4, 2026, at approximately 1:50 pm. The case has been registered under Section 308(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), relating to extortion, along with the provisions cited in the police report.

Police are investigating the allegations and the circumstances surrounding the alleged monetary demands and threats against the temple.