International

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; June 30, 2026 | Mymensingh, Bangladesh : The incident of idol vandalism at the Dattabari Sarbojanin Puja Temple in Mymensingh has sparked widespread anger and concern among local residents, while police have launched an intensive investigation using CCTV footage to identify and arrest the individual responsible.

The incident took place at the Dattabari Sarbojanin Puja Temple in Panch Kahaniya village under Dapunia Union of Mymensingh Sadar Upazila. According to local sources, an unidentified man allegedly broke the temple's lock and entered the premises before vandalising several idols and religious items. The incident reportedly occurred at around 5:45 a.m. on Monday.

Eyewitnesses and members of the temple management committee, the suspect, believed to be a man between 25 and 30 years of age, was dressed in a lungi and a sleeveless vest. He allegedly used a bamboo pole and a brick to break open the temple's lock before entering the shrine. Once inside, he reportedly damaged the idols of Goddess Kali and Goddess Lakshmi along with several other articles used for worship. After carrying out the vandalism, the man fled the scene before local residents could apprehend him.

The incident came to light when a nearby resident reportedly witnessed the act from the rooftop of a neighbouring house. The witness immediately raised an alarm, prompting local people to rush towards the temple. However, by the time residents reached the spot, the suspect had already escaped.

Expressing deep shock and concern over the incident, Sujan Chandra Dutta, General Secretary of the temple management committee, said that the temple has been conducting regular worship peacefully for nearly 37 years. He noted that the locality has long been known for harmonious coexistence between the Hindu and Muslim communities, with local Muslim residents consistently extending their support to the temple and its activities. He said the committee was unable to understand the motive behind such an unexpected act.

Dutta further informed that CCTV footage recorded by cameras installed at the temple has already been handed over to the police to assist in the investigation. Local resident Bimal Chandra, along with other leaders of the Hindu community, has demanded a swift and impartial investigation and exemplary punishment for those responsible for the vandalism.

Providing an update on the investigation, Mohammad Shibirul Islam, Officer-in-Charge of Mymensingh Kotwali Model Police Station, said that police reached the scene immediately after receiving information about the incident and have been treating the matter with utmost seriousness. He confirmed that investigators have collected CCTV footage along with other relevant evidence from the temple premises and are making every possible effort to identify and arrest the accused at the earliest.

Law enforcement authorities, along with members of the local civil society, have appealed to residents to remain calm and continue preserving the area's long-standing communal harmony. They have also urged people not to pay attention to rumours or misinformation while the investigation is underway.