Dhaka, Oct 14: The interim government in Bangladesh on Monday tried to pin blame for last week’s theft of Goddess Kali’s crown on the head priest and temple staff while claiming that it continues to carry further investigations and has arrested four individuals in connection with the case.
“On the reported theft of a golden crown at the Jeshoreshwari Kali temple in the southern Bangladesh district of Satkhira on 10th October 2024, it had been confirmed that the head priest performed his regular puja rites until 2.30 PM (afternoon) till which time the crown was intact inside the temple. Investigations are underway to determine as to why the priest and temple staff left such a precious possession unguarded and insecure. Four individuals have already been arrested in connection with the theft case,” Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement Monday afternoon. On Saturday, India had expressed a serious concern over the theft of the crown which was gifted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple at Satkhira in 2021 during his visit to Bangladesh.
New Delhi had also called upon the interim government in Dhaka, currently led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities and their places of worship, especially during this auspicious festival time. “We have noted with serious concern the attack on a Puja mandap in Tantibazar, Dhaka and the theft at the revered Jeshoreshwari Kali temple at Satkhira. These are deplorable events’, the MEA said.
3 injured in clash between police,
Hindu community during immersion
At least three people were injured in a clash that broke out between police and Hindu community going to immerse idols following the conclusion of Durga Puja in an Old Dhaka locality, it was reported on Monday. The three people, including a police officer, were injured when miscreants threw bricks from the rooftop of Nur Super Market in Patuatuli area of Old Dhaka on the procession heading to immerse idols in the Buriganga river late Sunday night, The Daily Star newspaper said quoting an eyewitness.
Following the attack, members of the Hindu community tried to enter the market but faced resistance from the police.
Kotwali police station Officer-in-Charge Md Enamul Hasan told the newspaper, “The locals attempted to enter the market. For the sake of the market’s security, we resisted them from entering, which eventually led to the clash.” (Agencies)
