A case has been filed against unknown individuals in connection with the theft of the gold crown gifted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Jeshoreshwari Kali Mandir in Shyamnagar, Satkhira.
However, no arrests have been made yet.
Satkhira Superintendent of Police Mohammad Monirul Islam confirmed the filing of the case on Saturday.
Locals said that the youth caught on CCTV footage stealing the crown from the temple does not appear to be a local resident. Despite the spread of the footage in remote areas of Shyamnagar upazila, no one has been able to identify him. While the CCTV captured the image of a young man wearing jeans and a white t-shirt, locals believe more individuals may have been involved in the theft.
In response to the incident, Deputy Commissioner of Satkhira Mostak Ahmed and Superintendent of Police Monirul Islam, along with senior law enforcement and intelligence officials, visited the site.
Since the theft, several individuals, including the temple’s priest, Dilip Mukherjee, have been questioned.
Authorities have also issued a public notice requesting any information regarding the stolen gold crown. The circular calls for people to report any suspicious activities related to the crown, such as attempts to sell, melt, or alter it at any gold shop.
Information can be reported to the Deputy Commissioner of Satkhira (01715-212277) or the Superintendent of Police (01320-142100).
The Indian government has expressed concern over the theft and has requested a thorough investigation to recover the crown and arrest those responsible.
Fakir Taijur Rahman, inspector (Investigation) of Shyamnagar police station, said that while no arrests have been made, efforts are ongoing to identify the suspect seen in the footage. Several individuals, including the temple's priest and cleaning staff, have been interrogated. The temple priest, however, has reportedly provided inconsistent statements. The temple committee leaders, who reside in Dhaka, have also been informed. A case has been filed against unknown individuals for the theft.
Superintendent of Police Mohammad Monirul Islam said that a reward had been announced by the district police for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrator. A case has officially been registered.
The crown was gifted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Jeshoreshwari Kali Mandir on March 27, 2021. The theft occurred last Thursday between 2:47pm and 2:50pm. CCTV footage captured a young man stealing the crown from the temple.
