17 october, 2026 – Naogaon:- A Ganesh idol at a Durga Puja mandap in Naogaon was allegedly vandalized with an axe by a young man identified as Golam Rabbani on Saturday morning. Local residents and Ansar members on duty at the site detained the suspect and handed him over to the police.
The incident occurred at around 10:00 AM on October 17 at the Hatas Khara Para Sarbojonin Durga Puja Mandap in Hatasgari Union under Naogaon Sadar Upazila. The incident has triggered anger, anxiety, and distress among local Hindu residents, turning their festive celebrations into a moment of uncertainty.
Police arrived at the scene and took the suspect into custody. Authorities assured the local Hindu community that legal action would be taken and that they would receive necessary assistance to continue their religious celebrations. Golam Rabbani is reportedly the son of Mohammad Musa and a resident of Madhya Hatas Para in the same union.
How the Incident Occurred
According to Puja organizers, mandap committee members, and Ansar personnel, Rabbani entered the mandap carrying an axe and struck the Ganesh idol several times, damaging it. Witnesses said the incident happened within seconds, before those present could fully understand what was taking place.
Ansar members and local residents subsequently detained him along with the axe and informed the police. Officers arrived at the scene and took him to the police station.
There are differing opinions among local residents regarding the suspect’s mental condition. Some claimed that he might have mental health issues, while others alleged that he was pretending to be mentally unstable. These claims have not been independently verified.
Residents have emphasized that, regardless of the circumstances, the vandalism of a religious idol during a major religious festival is a sensitive matter requiring a proper investigation and legal action. They also expressed concern that misinformation or rumors on social media could worsen tensions and undermine communal harmony.
The situation at the scene was reported to be calm, with police present to maintain law and order.
Ansar Member’s Account
Mosammat Fatema Begum, an Ansar member assigned to the mandap, said four personnel, including two women, were deployed for security.
She stated that she and another female member had gone to a nearby field when Rabbani allegedly approached the idol with an axe and struck it two or three times. With the assistance of local residents, they detained him and informed the police.
Fatema further claimed that she had noticed the young man visiting and loitering around the mandap several times since the previous day. She disputed claims that he was mentally unstable, alleging instead that he was pretending to be so. Her assessment has not been independently verified.
Puja Organizers Express Concern
Nikhil Pramanik, organizational secretary of the Hatas Khara Para Puja Mandap, said the incident occurred on the day of Maha Saptami, leaving local Hindu residents and visiting relatives shocked.
He said all Puja activities had been temporarily suspended following the vandalism. However, representatives of the administration, police, and local Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leaders had assured the organizers of their support. They reportedly offered to arrange an artisan to repair the Ganesh idol so that the religious celebrations could resume.
Pramanik called for legal action against the suspect and urged authorities to investigate whether anyone else was involved in the incident.
Hindu Community Leaders Demand Justice
Madhab Chandra Karmakar, president of the Naogaon Sadar Upazila Puja Udjapan Parishad, described the incident as deeply distressing. He called for a thorough investigation into the incident and the suspect’s alleged motive, followed by appropriate legal action.
He also urged law enforcement agencies and local leaders to ensure that members of the Hindu community could celebrate Durga Puja safely and peacefully throughout the remaining five days of the festival.
Pradip Kumar Kundu, convener of the district Puja Udjapan Front, said he had learned of the incident and had spoken with the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO). He said he was heading to the scene with the Assistant Commissioner (Land) and demanded a fair investigation and justice to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Police Confirm Suspect in Custody
Mohammad Asaduzzaman, officer-in-charge of Naogaon Sadar Police Station, said police personnel, accompanied by senior officials, had visited the scene after receiving information about the incident.
He confirmed that the suspect was in police custody and said legal action would be taken in accordance with the law.
