Time bomb, petrol recovered from Lalon shrine in Kushtia

Police have recovered a time bomb and two litres of petrol in two bottles from the premises of the Akhrabari of Baul emperor Fakir Lalon Shai in Chheuria, Kumarkhali, Kushtia. Members of a bomb disposal team from Dhaka later defused the bomb. Security in the Akhrabari and surrounding areas has been stepped up following the incident.

On Monday (October 19) morning, a police bomb disposal team reached the scene and examined the suspicious objects. During the search, a time bomb and two bottles filled with petrol were found. Experts then defused the bomb.

According to police and local sources, people at the Akhrabari noticed a suspicious object wrapped in a white bag inside the premises at around 2 am, after midnight on Sunday. When police were informed, precautionary measures were taken at the site. Considering safety, the sadhus and fakirs staying at the Akhrabari were moved to a secure place that night.

On receiving the news, the police bomb disposal team came from Dhaka on Monday morning and examined the bag. After explosive-like material and petrol were found in the search, the necessary steps were taken.

Since the incident, restrictions have been imposed on the entry of sadhus, devotees and general visitors to the Akhrabari premises. Additional police have been deployed at the shrine and nearby areas to avoid any untoward situation.

Police are investigating who was behind placing the explosive and petrol at the Akhrabari, and what their motive was. So far, however, there is no information that anyone has been detained.

Confirming the incident, Kumarkhali Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) in charge Navid Sarwar said the report of a bomb being recovered from the Akhrabari is true. He said police would be able to provide further details.

Jamal Uddin, officer-in-charge (OC) of Kumarkhali Police Station, said a time bomb and petrol in two bottles had been recovered from the Akhrabari. The bomb has been defused. The situation in the shrine area is currently normal, he said, and an investigation is under way to identify those involved.