Four idols were vandalised at a Hindu temple in Bangladesh’s Tangail district, police said on Thursday, as preparations were underway for the upcoming Durga Puja festival.
The incident occurred on Wednesday night at the Durga temple of the Arya Samiti, next to the Radhagobinda Temple in Jamurki village of Mirzapur upazila, according to police.
Local residents discovered the damage on Thursday morning while cleaning the temple premises, police said. The head of the Durga idol, along with idols of Ganesha and a demon figure, was among those damaged. Four idols in total were found vandalised.
Police said they had not immediately identified those responsible.
The temple has been hosting Durga Puja for about 87 years under the management of the Jamurki Arya Samiti. Preparations for this year’s festival began on Sept. 12, with the idols covered after the clay coating was completed about a week ago.
Police and local administration officials visited the site after the incident was reported. Village police were subsequently deployed to strengthen security around the temple.
Mirzapur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Zahirul Alam said CCTV cameras would be installed at the temple and other security measures had been taken.
“Legal proceedings are underway. Efforts are being made to identify and arrest those involved in the vandalism,” Assistant Superintendent of Police Md Adnan Mustafiz said.
The incident was reported as Bangladesh prepares for Durga Puja, one of the country’s largest Hindu festivals.
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