Hindus protest damage of idols

People of Hindu community in the district formed a human chain yesterday, protesting the vandalising of idols in two temples on Saturday.

The hour-long human chain was formed in front of Dinajpur Press Club at 11:00am.

Speakers at the programme urged the government to ensure punishment to those involved in the vandalism. They also urged the police not to harass any innocent people by implicating them with the incidents.

Police and locals said two unidentified criminals on a motorcycle went to the central cremation yard around 1:30am on Saturday and damaged three idols, including that of Goddess Kali, in Kali Temple. Then they went to Roypara Durga Temple in Sadar upazila and damaged the under construction idols there around 2:30am.

The incidents triggered panic among the Hindus in the district.

Police arrested Md Bappy Shahariar, 32, and Shakhawat Hossain in connection with the incidents.

Ranjit Kumar Das, a member of Roypara Durga Temple committee, filed a case with Sadar Police Station, accusing eight people.

Police produced the arrestees before the Court of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Biswanath Mondal, seeking 10 days' remand for each of them.

Hearing on the remand petition will be held on Tuesday, said Sub-Inspector Nayan Chandra Roy, investigation officer of the case.