200 sued over temple vandalisation in Dinajpur; 2 held

A temple of an indigenous community was vandalised and trees on burial ground were cut in Dinajpur’s Birganj upazila, leading to a case against more than 200 people and the arrest of two suspects, police said today (21 April).

The arrested individuals were identified as Moni and Rowshan Ali. 

Confirming the matter, Dinajpur Additional Superintendent of Police Anwar Hossain said drives are ongoing to arrest the remaining accused.

The case was filed yesterday by Antim Murmu, naming 14 individuals and around 200 unidentified persons over the incident.

The incident took place on 19 April at Sonka Christian Para under Paltapur union in the upazila.

According to the case statement, more than 100 people, led by Rezaul and Azad, allegedly entered the indigenous burial ground and cremation site at Sonka Christian Para on 19 April. They reportedly cut trees on the land and vandalised the Kali idol, later throwing it into a nearby cornfield.

Local resident Manu Kisku said the indigenous community has been occupying around 93 decimals of government khas land under plot  no. 150 for generations. He alleged that land grabbers have been attempting to take control of the land since the Awami League regime.

Birganj Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Dipankar Barman visited the site and termed the incident inhumane, saying legal action would be taken following an investigation.