Amid the festive season, a shocking event has been unfolded at Bangladeshs revered Jeshoreshwari temple on Thursday, October 10, 2024. The crown of Maa Kali at the Jeshoreshwari temple has been stolen, which was silver and gold-plated.

The crown was gifted by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the Satkhira temple in Shyamnagar in March 2021. He also shared some glimpses from his visit after the COVID-19 pandemic. The incident has agitated the religious beliefs of the devotees, raising the question of faith in humanity.

As per the reports, the theft occurred on Thursday between 2 pm and 2:30 pm, after the temple priest, Dilip Mukherjee left. Later, the cleaning staff found that the crown was missing from the deitys head.

The incident coincided when the Islamic performers were reciting the Islamic songs at a Durga Pooja Pandal. Meanwhile, the authorities have been investigating the matter closely and are reviewing the temples CCTV footage to identify the thief.

Farida Khanom, the Chattogram Deputy Commissioner visited the venue on the same day and assured that the administration would nab the accused within the next 48 hours.

Importantly, the seventh day of Navratri is marked as the day of Durga Pooja. It is celebrated when the goddess is worshipped as Kalratri, one of the forms of Maa Kali.

When PM Modi visited Jeshoreshwari Temple

The crown holds a special cultural and religious significance. According to Hindu mythology, the Jeshoreshwari temple in Bangladesh is one of 51 Shakti peeths of Maa Parvati which are scattered across India and other neighboring countries. On March 27, 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Jeshoreshwari Temple. He was reportedly on his trip to Bangladesh. It is on that day when the Indian PM placed a crown on Maa Kalis head as a religious emblem.

India Extends Displeasure

Meanwhile, India has expressed their displeasure to the authorities over the theft of the crown. The Indian High Commissioner in Bangladesh asked the enforcement agencies to investigate the matter and recover the crown.

We have seen reports of theft of the crown gifted by PM Modi to Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple (Satkhira) in 2021 during his visit to Bangladesh, the high commissioner added.

Notably, the theft has raised the fears of theHindu community. It put a question on Chief Advisor Mohammed Yunus’ promise of security forthe minority and protect their rights.