Police have released a person caught with three copies of the Holy Quran and some jihadi books at a Puja pavilion in Chittagong’s Hathazari, claiming that the man was mentally unstable.
The officials also did not disclose the name of the person who was apprehended by the organizers at Sri Sri Rakshakali Temple in the Sompara area of Mirzapur Union in Hathazari around 8:30pm on Saturday, said Gobinda Kanti Nath, general secretary of the Puja organizing committee.
"We became suspicious of the individual's activities within the mandap, where he was seen walking around in a seemingly suspicious manner. We caught them and inquired him about what was inside his bag.
"Upon inspection, we discovered three copies of the Holy Quran and several jihadi books. Then we handed him over to Sub-Inspector Md Jasim of Hathazari police station."
The officer, however, released him, labeling him as a “mentally challenged person without conducting a thorough investigation. When we asked for his name, the officer remained silent,” Gobinda added.
Chittagong District Additional Superintendent of Police (Special Branch) Abu Taib Md Arif Hossain said: "We are currently looking into the incident. We do not have anyone in custody at the moment."
He added that if the allegations were substantiated, senior officers would conduct a thorough investigation. “Any wrongdoing by the police will be met with appropriate action.”
Advocate Nitai Prasad Ghosh, president of the Chittagong District Puja Udjapan Parishad, expressed concern over the incident.
"These types of incidents can lead to major occurrences. Senior police officials have advised us to report any suspicious occurrences, promising immediate action. However, here we have seen how an individual is released without proper investigation.”