Temple vandalised by 'land grabbers'

Criminals vandalised a temple allegedly for occupying its land at Shilpara in Shivalaya upazila under the district yesterday.

Police seized a pick-up van loaded with broken materials of the temple.

A case was filed, accusing eight known and 50 to 60 unknown people in this connection, said OC Md Monirul Islam of Shivalaya Police Station.

The accused include Awami League's district unit Treasurer Abdur Rahim Khan and his nephew Shibalaya Union Parishad Chairman Alal Hossain.

Six people were held. Of them, Momin Sheikh was sent to court with prayer for a 10 day-remand, said police. 

President of Shilpara Temple Committee Surjay Shil said AL leader Rahim had been trying to occupy the temple land for a long time.

Yesterday morning, 70/80 armed people, led by Rahim and his nephew Alal, vandalised the temple.

They tried to take those broken materials on a pick-up.

Rahim was not available over cellphone when this correspondent tried to contact him.