Bangladesh: Durga Puja Mandap Attacked in Sylhet, Murtis of Maa Durga, Maa Lakshmi, Maa Saraswati Vandalised; The Police Arrested Saiduzzaman

Hindu Voice Team: A Durga Puja mandap in Sylhet’s Balaganj upazila was allegedly vandalised on Saturday(19th September) evening after a Muslim youth entered the premises and attacked several Murtis with a boti, a traditional cutting tool. Police have arrested accused Muslim youth in connection with the incident.

The incident took place between 7 pm and 8 pm at the Balaganj West Bazar Nabinnagar Sarbojanin Puja Mandap, under Balaganj Sadar Union.

The arrested accused has been identified as Saiduzzaman Shimul, 29, a resident of Balaganj upazila.

According to Sudip Pal, general secretary of the puja committee, Shimul allegedly entered the puja mandap and repeatedly struck different parts of the idols of Goddess Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati and Kartik with a boti.

After receiving information about the incident, members of the puja committee reached the spot and informed the police.

Balaganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Abdul Latif Tarfadar said police detained Shimul following the incident. A boti was also recovered from his possession.

Police claimed that information obtained during questioning indicated his involvement in the alleged vandalism.

A case has been filed against Shimul under provisions relating to hurting religious sentiments and vandalising religious idols, according to the police. He was formally shown arrested on Sunday and produced before a court. The court subsequently ordered that he be sent to judicial custody.

Police said the case was filed by Lal Mohan Das Nantu, president of the temple committee.