Dhaka: Amid the vibrant celebrations of Durga Puja, Bangladesh has been struck by a startling incident involving the theft of a golden crown from the revered Jeshoreśwari Kali Temple in Shyamnagar, Satkhira. The temple, a significant religious site in the region, became the centre of a high-profile theft when CCTV footage captured a young man removing the sacred golden crown.
The stolen crown holds special significance as it was a gift from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Bangladesh in 2021. PM Modi had presented the crown as a token of goodwill, enhancing the cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations. The theft occurred on Thursday, 10 October, between 2:47 PM and 2:50 PM, during the peak of Durga Puja festivities when the temple was bustling with devotees.
According to reports, after completing the daily prayers, the temple priest, Dilip Kumar Banerjee, entrusted the temple keys to Rekha Government for maintenance work. Upon Rekha Government’s return, he discovered the absence of the golden crown. Immediately, the priest alerted the authorities, and the police launched an investigation into the matter.
Firkeer Taizur Rahman, an official at the local police station, stated, “We are making every effort to recover the stolen crown. The CCTV footage is being thoroughly examined to identify the perpetrator.” The crown, crafted from silver and adorned with gold plating, plays a crucial role in the temple’s rituals and symbolizes divine protection during the festive season.
Jeshoreśwari Temple is recognized as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, with “Jeshoreśwari” translating to “Goddess of Jeshore.” During PM Modi’s visit on 27 March 2021, he personally adorned the deity with the golden crown, marking a memorable event in the temple’s history.
The incident has raised concerns about security measures at religious sites, especially during major festivals. As the investigation continues, the community remains hopeful for the swift recovery of the sacred crown, ensuring that the celebrations of Durga Puja proceed with their traditional splendour intact.
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