Idols burnt, damaged in Gaibandha over Hindu temple management feud

An idol was set on fire by unidentified individuals and several others were damaged in the flame at a Hindu temple in Gaibandha's Sadullapur upazila early today (3 September) following a feud between the former and current members of the temple management committee.

The incident occurred around 12:45am at Hamindpur-Kamarpara Durga Temple in Jamalpur union of the upazila.

"Unidentified individuals set fire to the idol under the cover of darkness. The matter is being investigated seriously, and efforts are underway to identify the culprits," Sadullapur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Tajuddin Khandaker told The Business Standard.

"On information, Fire Service and Civil Defence members went to the spot and extinguished the blaze," the OC added.

According to locals, there has been a long-standing conflict between the current and former members of the temple management committee. Over the past few days, both groups were making preparations to organise this year's Durga Puja.

Meanwhile, on 30 August, Kartik Chandra Sarker, current cashier of the temple committee, locked the main gate of the establishment.

As such, artisans employed by the former committee members were making idols outside the main premises of the temple. Over the past five to six days, they crafted various idols, which have been damaged.

Former president of the committee, Anukul Chandra Roy, told TBS that due to the conflict, around eight to 10 families decided to organise Durga Puja in a separate arrangement beside the temple.

"Accordingly, the idol-making work was underway. However, everything was burned down in the fire of hostility. The idols were set on fire deliberately. Kartik Chandra is involved in the incident," he said.

Kuntul Chandra Das, the current president of the committee, said, "Due to the conflict, they were making idols for this year's Durga Puja at Cashier Kartik Chandra Sarkar's house. However, the opposing side started making the idols openly and without any security. At this moment, it is not possible to say who set the fire under the cover of darkness."

Denying the allegations, Cashier Kartik Chandra Sarkar, said, "The investigation will reveal who set the fire."

Dipti Rani, a primary school teacher and resident near the temple, said the incident has caused panic among locals regarding this year's Durga Puja.

She demanded the swift identification and arrest of those responsible for the incident.

OC Tajuddin said they have called both parties to the police station to resolve the matter.

Sadullapur Upazila Puja Celebration Committee Prabhat Chandra Adhikai told TBS that they had previously resolved the conflict over the temple. "However, the dispute started again."

He said they will sit again with the two sides to resolve the dispute.