The murder of a "sevadar" (temple worker) at the Kalkaji Temple in Delhi has ignited a political firestorm, with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders demanding accountability from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government. Atishi, Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly and Kalkaji MLA, has directly called for the resignation of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, stating that the national capital has become a "capital of crime, extortion and gang wars" and that Delhiites no longer feel safe.

The incident occurred on Friday night when 35-year-old Yogendra Singh, who had served at the Kalkaji Temple for 14-15 years, was allegedly beaten to death by a group of visitors following an argument over "chunni prasad". "Chunni prasad" is a combination of a sacred headscarf and a religious offering of food. According to police reports, the argument escalated into a violent assault, with the group allegedly using sticks and fists to attack Singh. He was rushed to the AIIMS Trauma Centre, where he succumbed to his injuries.

CCTV footage of the incident has surfaced, purportedly showing the victim lying motionless on the ground while being brutally attacked with sticks. The visuals have sparked outrage and fueled concerns about the deteriorating law and order situation in Delhi.

Police have registered a case under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). One of the accused, Atul Pandey (30), was apprehended by locals at the scene and handed over to the police. Two other accused, Mohan alias Bhura (19) and Kuldeep Bidhuri (20), were later arrested. Authorities are working to identify and apprehend any remaining individuals involved in the attack.

Atishi, in her letter to the Chief Minister, highlighted that this incident is not isolated but rather "evidence of the worsening law and order situation in the capital". She cited other recent instances of violence, including the murder of actor Huma Qureshi's cousin, a stabbing near the police commissioner's office, and a firing at a property dealer's residence related to extortion demands. Atishi also pointed out that the Chief Minister herself had recently been attacked, questioning how ordinary citizens can feel secure if even the CM is not safe. She argued that "law and order are in the control of criminals while the police have been reduced to helplessness".

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal echoed these sentiments, criticizing the "four-engine BJP government" and questioning whether anyone is safe in Delhi. He stated, "Didn't the hands of these miscreants tremble before they brutally murdered the sevadaar inside the Kalkaji Temple? If this isn't a failure of law and order, then what is it?".

The Kalkaji Temple management has stated that they have initiated measures to enhance security, including increased surveillance, more security personnel, access control, visitor screening, and collaboration with local authorities.