18 December 2025, VOM:- An incident of vandalism has been reported at a Hindu temple in Ghatail upazila of Tangail district, where unknown individuals damaged an idol during the night, according to local sources.
The attack took place late on Tuesday night (16 December) at the Gartia Kalibari temple, located in Gartia area of Dighar Union. Residents said the idol of Goddess Kali was found damaged the following morning, prompting shock and concern among worshippers.
Temple officials said the idol had been kept within the temple premises after this year’s worship period instead of being immersed. During the night, intruders allegedly entered the temple and broke several parts of the statue, including its arms.
The damage was discovered on Wednesday morning when local devotees arrived for routine prayers and maintenance. Many described the scene as distressing, saying it had disrupted the sense of safety in the area.
Kartick Dutta, general secretary of the Gartia Kalibari temple committee, said the matter was immediately reported to both the temple authorities and local administration. He said such incidents hurt religious sentiments and create fear in otherwise calm communities.
Following the incident, senior officials—including the Ghatail Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Abu Sayeed, police officers from the district administration, and other law-enforcement representatives—visited the site. Local political leaders and community representatives also went to the temple and called for those responsible to be held accountable.
Ghatail police station officer-in-charge Md Mokhshedur Rahman said police are investigating the incident. He said officers have inspected the scene, collected preliminary evidence, and spoken to nearby residents. “We are working to identify those involved and will take legal action,” he said.
Members of the local Hindu community have called for the swift arrest of the perpetrators, a thorough investigation, and stronger security measures at temples and other minority places of worship to prevent similar incidents in the future.
