Seven idols vandalised at Habiganj temple

At least seven idols have been vandalised at a Hindu temple in Uttar Shahpur area of Madhabpur upazila in Habiganj.

The incident took place early yesterday (April 17) at the Sri Sri Gopal Temple, triggering panic among members of the local minority community.

Temple attendant Pushpa Rani said unidentified individuals called her in the early hours, asking her to open the door. When she refused, they forced entry and damaged the idols inside.

“I was too frightened to come out. Later I saw the idols were broken. I am still terrified,” she said.

Locals alerted authorities after discovering the vandalism.

Later, the temple committee president Sajal Chandra Sheel filed a general diary with Madhabpur Police Station, demanding the arrest and punishment of those responsible.

Officials from the district administration, including Upazila Nirbahi Officer Zahid bin Kashem and Officer-in-Charge Sohel Rana, visited the site.

Police said preliminary findings suggest the attackers may have entered the temple with intent to commit theft before vandalising the idols. Efforts are underway to identify and arrest those involved.

Local minority rights activist Biswajit Paul condemned the incident, calling for a thorough investigation and exemplary punishment.