Clashes erupt in Gazipur after Hindu temple is vandalised over land disputes

Locals say at least 10 to 12 people were injured while trying to stop the attackers

Two people have been arrested for vandalising a temple over a land dispute in Gazipur’s Kaliakair.

According to locals, a man named Lebu Mia vandalised the 'Radhagobinda Loknath Nat Mandir' with his men at 9: 30am on Friday in the Safipur Bazar area of the Upazila.

Kausar Ahmed, Kaliakair Upazila chief executive or UNO, confirmed the matter to bdnews24.com.

Shortly after, around 200 people from the Hindu community blocked the Dhaka-Tangail highway with sticks to protest against the incident.

There is palpable tension in the area following the incident.

One of the people arrested over the incident is Murad Hossain. Police have yet to confirm the identity of the other arrestee.

According to Haripad Sarker, the joint convener of Safipur public crematorium and Radhagobinda Loknath Nat Mandir, the temple has been there since 1972.

Attempts have been made to occupy the land previously using a fake deed.

According to locals, Lebu Mia alias Lebu Kontakder, a local contractor, was trying to occupy the land for a long time. However, since the temple has been there for a long time, he has been unsuccessful in possessing the land.

As such, he hired 50 to 60 people on Friday morning to occupy the land and later attacked and vandalised the temple.

Upon receiving the news, Hindus living in the area gathered and tried to protest.

However, they too were attacked by the hired men of Lebu Mia.

As many as 10 to 12 people were injured in the clashes. The attackers fled the scene after locals rushed to the spot.

Kaushik Adhikari, the convener of the temple, said: “A man named Lebu Mia, along with 50 to 60 people, attacked and vandalised our Nat Mandir. When we tried to stop them, they attacked and injured our men."

According to the UNO, police and army personnel were immediately informed about the attack on the temple.

“They rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. Police have already arrested one person.”

"If there was a land dispute, it could have been resolved legally. He didn’t need to vandalise the temple. The Upazila administration and Kaliakair Municipality will visit the spot and take necessary measures."

Several calls were made to Lebu Mia’s mobile number, but he did not respond.

Abul Kalam Azad, the superintendent of Gazipur Police Station said a tinned-roof house inside the temple complex was vandalised.

“Two people have been arrested in connection with the case,” he added.