Daccanomics
A suspect named Sanjit Biswas (45) has been arrested in connection with the vandalism of idols under construction at Harimandir and Kalimandir in Bhanga Bazaar, Faridpur. Police have identified him as an Indian citizen.
The arrest was announced in a press release by the Faridpur district police on Monday afternoon. According to the police, Sanjit Biswas is the son of Nishikant Biswas from Nadia, India.
The press release states that on the night of September 14, 2023, news of the vandalism of idols at Harimandir and Kalimandir led the police to inspect the site the next morning. The police superintendent, Md. Abdul Jalil, also visited the site and observed that various parts of the idols had been damaged. During a discussion with local leaders, the SP provided the necessary instructions.
Further investigation revealed two individuals lying on an abandoned bed in front of the Kalimandir. One of them was recognized as a local resident, while the other, who did not disclose his identity, was suspected of involvement in the crime. He was taken to the police station for questioning, during which he spoke intermittently in Bengali and Hindi, identifying himself as Sanjit Biswas (45) from Nadia, India.
When asked about the arrest, Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of Bhanga Police Station, Mokhlesur Rahman, informed that a case is being processed, and the Indian citizen was initially sent to court under Section 151 of the CrPC. The investigation is ongoing.
Bhanga Puja Mandap Committee President Babu Jagdish Chandra and Harimandir President Swapan Saha mentioned that the crime occurred due to power outages caused by adverse weather. They expressed their desire to celebrate the Durga Puja festival peacefully and requested support from the administration and the community.
Following the incident, a military patrol team and the Faridpur Police Superintendent visited the site last night to meet with the Puja Mandap Committee leaders. Police Superintendent Abdul Jalil stated that strict action would be taken against those responsible for the vandalism, and continuous police presence would be ensured at the mandap during the festival. Additionally, the 92 Puja Mandap committees in Bhanga were advised to play an active role.
