12 statues of Shiva Linga damaged in Joypurhat

Criminals damaged 13 statues including 12 of Shiva Linga inside the historic Barashivalaya Temple in Joypurhat early yesterday, creating panic among the Hindu people.

Priest of the 500-year-old temple Situ Chandra Mohanta found 12 statues of Shiva Linga damaged when he came to the temple for performing the ritual yesterday and informed the members of the temple committee.

“Of the damaged statues, one was torched,” he said, adding that criminals also damaged the cow statue inside the temple.

Locals said a gang entered the temple at midnight climbing the boundary walls of the temple and damaged the Shiva Linga statues.

It seemed that criminals used some iron rods for hitting the statues, said Situ.

Local lawmaker Shamsul Alam Dudu condemned the act and ordered the police to arrest the criminals within shortest possible time.

A large number of police have been deployed in and around the temple area.

Deputy Commissioner Mozammel Haque, Superintendent of Police Rashidul Hasan, Chairman of Joypurhat Zila Parishad Ariful Rahman and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Aminul Islam visited the spot.