Bangladesh: Miscreants vandalise 7 Durga idols ahead of festival, temple premises ransacked

Dhaka (The Uttam Hindu): A case of vandalism has been reported at a temple in the Mirzapur sub-district of Tangail district in Bangladesh amid preparations for Durga Puja. Unknown individuals allegedly damaged seven idols being prepared for Durga Puja at the Jamurki Paschimpara temple. The incident is said to have occurred between Wednesday night and Thursday morning. The temple management became aware of the incident after arriving at the premises on Thursday morning.

According to locals, Durga Puja has been held at this temple, managed by the Jamurki Arya Samiti, for the past 85 years. Preparations for the puja were underway this year as well. Seven idols, including the main idol of Goddess Durga, were almost ready, and only the painting work remained.

According to Prakash Bakli, president of the Jamurki Arya Samiti, the committee members were present at the temple premises until around 10 pm on September 30th. Afterward, everyone left for their homes. When they returned to the temple the next morning, they found the idols damaged. He stated that it is still unclear who carried out the incident and what the motive was. A police complaint has been filed, and the culprits have been identified and legal action has been demanded against them.

Upon learning of the incident, senior police officials, including Tangail Superintendent of Police Mohammad Shamsul Alam, visited the temple. The officials assured the local Hindu community that those responsible would be identified and appropriate action would be taken against them. Tangail Assistant Superintendent of Police Mohammad Adnan Mustafiz said that preliminary investigations confirmed that some idols were partially damaged. Police are investigating to identify those involved in the incident. Following the incident, security arrangements have been increased in and around the temple.