The Islamic State (IS) has claimed the responsibility for the murder of the priest of a Hindu temple in Panchagarh, according to the SITE Intelligence Group.
The IS made the claim on Sunday night after the priest was murdered by unidentified assailants in Debiganj upazila of the district.
“The Islamic State (IS) claimed the murder of Hindu priest Jogeshwar Roy, the principal of the Sri Sri Shantu Santo Gaurio monastery, in northern Bangladesh,” reads the SITE.
Jogeshwar Roy, 50, priest of Sri Sri Sonto Gaurio Temple, was attacked with machetes on the premises of the temple he founded on Sunday morning. Three others were injured in the incident.
Around 7am, attackers exploded a crude bomb and opened fire on worshippers at the temple.
The attackers hacked the priest with machetes when Jogeshwar came out to see what was going on. The attackers assaulted him with machetes before cutting his throat.
Gopal and Nitaipoda received gunshot injuries and have been admitted to Rangpur Medical College Hospital in critical condition.
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The local lawmaker, deputy commissioner and police superintendent visited the spot.
Police said the three attackers exploded three more crude bombs as they made their getaway by motorcycle
An unexploded bomb was recovered from near the crime scene.
“All of the temples in the district were already under tight security. We are trying to trace the killers and the reason behind the murder. It is impossible to comment further until the investigation is completed," Panchagarh Superintendent of Police Gias Uddin Ahmad said.
The victim's body was taken by the police to Debiganj police station, the SP added.
Debiganj police station Officer-in-Charge Babul Akhter said special drives are being conducted in the district to arrest the killers.
