Adugodi police said Sujay (39), a native of Kerala, died at a private hospital in the city.
Sujay had been performing poojas at the Ayyappa temple in Lakkasandra. At about 6 am on Tuesday, Sujay was getting ready for a homa, when some miscreants who were armed with petrol, barged into the temple and created a ruckus. The priest suffered 40 percent burns, and was shifted to Victoria hospital. Sources said police shifted him to a private hospital to hush up the case.
A few days ago, some neighbours had complained to the police about prayers being held at various houses in the area. Residents feel the attack was in retaliation to the complaint.