Bangladesh: Nine idols constructed for upcoming Durga Puja vandalized at Hindu temple

Molly Barua

Nine idols constructed for the upcoming Durga Puja have been vandalized in two temples in Bhanga upazila of Bangladesh’s Faridpur district.

Bhanga police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Moksedur Rahman said the incident took place on Sunday early hours, adding that the police were giving the matter top priority and conducting a thorough investigation.

Arun Chandra Saha, general secretary of the temple, said artisans had just completed making the idols a few days ago.

“We were preparing to paint them in a day or two. There were a total of 14 idols in the temple, of which eight were vandalized in different parts.”

Bhanga Puja Celebration Committee President Swapan Chandra Saha said, various parts of eight idols, including those of Arjuna and Ganesh, had been vandalized at Hari Mandir.

“Durga Puja has been performed in this temple for the last 75 years. Such an incident never happened before in this century old temple “, said Swapan.

On the other hand, unidentified miscreants also vandalised an idol constructed for the upcoming Durga Puja at Bhanga Sarbojanin Kali Mandir.

Kashinath Saha, president of Bhanga Sarbojanin Kali Mandir, said the construction of the idols of the temple had already been completed but the painting was yet to be done.