Hindu temple vandalised in Bangladesh, ritual site attacked for extortion

A Hindu temple and religious ritual site have been allegedly ransacked at Gaibandha’s Saghata Upazila.

At least four people were injured in the attack on Monday.

Those injured have been identified as Shobha Rani, Rangini Rani, Mina Rani, and Anjali Rani. They were given first aid.

Haribasar Committee chief Radhacharan Das said a three-day ‘Mahanaam Jagya’ (Hindu ritual) started on Friday at the Sri Sri Radhagabinda Temple of Saghata’s Majhiparha village.

The ceremony also included a fair. On the last day, a few local youths demanded money from the shopkeepers at the fair.

Radhacharan along with committee members Supad Chandra Das, Sunil Chandra Das and others tried to foil the extortion attempt.

“The incident led to an argument and scuffle between the two sides. At one point, a group of 10/12 people attacked us with sticks and sharp weapons,” Radhacharan Das said.

“They ransacked the temple and broke the idols of Goddess Kaali and Goddess Lakshmi,” he added.

Bonarparha police SI Azizur Rahman said police had brought the situation ‘under control’.

“Police detained one Laili Begum, mother of  local goon Labhlu Miah, on charges of instigating the violence,” he said.

Police said Radhacharan Das had started a case.

Md Ashraful Islam, Superintendent of Gaibandha Police, said efforts were on to catch the culprits.