India has voiced serious concern over the theft of a sacred item from the Jeshoreshwari temple in Bangladesh.
The stolen item is a crown of Goddess Kali, gifted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit in March 2021.
The incident took place on Thursday between 2:00 pm and 2:30 pm when the temple’s priest, Dilip Mukherjee, was absent after the day’s worship.
The theft was discovered by cleaning staff, who noticed the crown missing from the deity’s head.
The High Commission of India in Dhaka has urged Bangladesh’s authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure the recovery of the stolen crown.
They emphasised the need to bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly.
The High Commission released a statement on social media platform X, expressing their deep concern and calling for immediate action from the Bangladeshi government.
Bangladeshi authorities are actively investigating the theft. Inspector Taizul Islam of Shyamnagar Police Station reported that police are examining CCTV footage from the temple to identify the suspect. He confirmed the theft took place within the short period when the temple was temporarily unguarded.
The crown, which is made of silver and gold-plated, holds great cultural and religious importance. It was presented as a gesture of goodwill by PM Modi during his visit to the temple, a site of historical and spiritual significance.
The Jeshoreshwari Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths, revered sites dedicated to the goddess Shakti, located across India and neighbouring countries. Its name translates to “Goddess of Jessore,” signifying its historical roots in the region.
During his visit to the temple in 2021, PM Modi placed the crown on the deity’s head as a symbolic act. The temple has been a vital centre of worship for the Hindu community in Bangladesh, and the theft has shocked many devotees.
The Indian High Commission’s involvement indicates the diplomatic sensitivity surrounding the incident, given the crown’s connection to a high-level visit and its spiritual significance.
Authorities in Bangladesh are under pressure to act promptly. Indian officials remain in close communication with Bangladeshi law enforcement to ensure cooperation and a swift resolution to the case. The investigation is ongoing, with further updates expected as authorities work to recover the stolen item and hold those responsible accountable.
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