Body of murdered ‘langa manganiyar’ exhumed

Jaisalmer: The body of 'langa manganiyar' (folk artist) Ahmad Khan, murdered by a temple 'bhopa' (priest) in Phalsoond police station area, was exhumed on Thursday in the presence of sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) and tehsildar.

The post-mortem was conducted by the medical board. Police have arrested the main culprit in the case.

According to SP Gaurav Yadav, a 'bhopa' and two others had a dispute over a tune of a bhajan with Ahmad Khan at Ainath Temple on September 27. They later assaulted Khan and beat him to death.

The victim's family and other 'langa manganiyar' families were also threatened. The family buried the body silently and lodged a case on October 1. Later, they met the police and requested them to arrest the culprits. Meanwhile, following threats by culprits and villagers, 20 families of 'langa manganiyars' had left the village and gone to Barad.

According to SP, Khan had prima facie died due to physical assault. He appealed to the families of 'langa manganiyars' to come back and promised them security.

Police officials were also sent to Barad village to allay their fears. They have been asked to identify people who threatened them to take action. Two culprits are absconding and police teams have been sent in search of them.