Idols and Gold Ornaments Stolen from Temple in Lalmonirhat

A theft occurred at a temple in Kaliganj, Lalmonirhat, where brass idols of Kali and Shiva, along with a gold crown and three chains, were stolen.

The incident took place on Thursday (January 9) at the Shri Shri Bhabotarini Kali Temple in Tushvandar of the upazila. Kaliganj Police Station has registered a case regarding the theft, according to Officer-in-Charge Selim Malik.

Arun Chandra Das, General Secretary of the temple committee, stated that such an incident had never occurred in the 150-year-old temple before. A well-organized group stole idols, ornaments, and furniture. Officials from the police and upazila administration have inspected the site. "We hope the authorities will swiftly identify and apprehend the culprits and recover the stolen items," he said.

The temple’s priest, Ashish Chandra Chakraborty, mentioned that he discovered the theft on Friday morning when he arrived at the temple for regular worship. The locks were broken, and the idols, ornaments, and furniture were missing. The matter was immediately reported to the temple committee and the police.

Lalmonirhat Superintendent of Police, Tarikul Islam, commented that the theft appeared to be premeditated. Although the temple was secure, the organized thieves managed to break two locks and steal the items. "The police are actively working to identify and arrest those involved, as well as recover the stolen idols, ornaments, and furniture," he added.