A major theft at a Hindu temple complex in Satkhira has triggered anger and anxiety among the local Hindu community after thieves broke into multiple shrines and stole gold ornaments from deities along with cash from donation boxes.
According to temple authorities, the incident took place late Wednesday night at the central temple complex locally known as “Mayer Bari” in Satkhira town. The criminals reportedly cut the locks of several temples within the compound and carried out the theft under the cover of darkness.
Nityananda Amin, General Secretary of the Satkhira District Temple Association, said the thieves forced their way into the Kali Temple, Annapurna Temple, Radha-Gobinda Temple, and Jagannath Temple before looting valuables.
“They broke the locks and entered the temples. The attackers removed gold ornaments from the idols and broke open donation boxes to take the cash,” Amin said.
Temple authorities estimate that the stolen valuables include two pairs of gold bangles weighing about four bhori, two pairs of gold shankha weighing about one bhori, a pair of gold earrings, a gold chain, a nose ring, and nearly five bhori of silver ornaments.
The total loss is initially estimated at more than 1.8 million Bangladeshi taka (over 18 lakh).
The incident has heightened fears among the Hindu minority in the area. Deepa Sindhu Torofdar, an executive member of the temple committee, noted that another temple in the city’s Katia area was also robbed just two days earlier.
“Repeated thefts at temples are creating deep concern and panic within the Hindu community,” he said. “We demand the immediate arrest of those responsible and stronger security measures for places of worship.”
Temple official Asim Das Sona said that CCTV footage from the temple premises has captured several important clues, which could help authorities identify the perpetrators.
Local resident Chandan Chowdhury alleged that the crime might be part of a broader organised network targeting Hindu religious sites.
“This could be the work of a hidden criminal group deliberately targeting places of worship of the Hindu community,” he said. “If the authorities fail to act quickly, such incidents may increase.”
Police have confirmed that an investigation is underway. SI Rezaul Karim of the Satkhira Sadar police outpost said officers visited the scene after receiving the report and collected evidence.
“We have gathered initial clues from the site. The matter is being investigated,” the officer said.
The incident has renewed calls for stronger protection of minority religious institutions in Bangladesh, as community leaders warn that repeated attacks on temples threaten both religious harmony and public confidence in security.
