India 'deeply concerned' after gold crown presented by PM Modi to goddess Kali stolen in Bangladesh

The gold-plated crown of Goddess Kali, presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his March 2021 visit to Bangladesh, has been stolen from the Jeshoreshwari Temple in Satkhira. The theft occurred on Thursday afternoon, shortly after temple priest Dilip Mukherjee completed the day’s worship. Cleaning staff discovered the crown missing from the deity’s head around 2 PM. The Indian High Commission in Dhaka expressed deep concern over the incident, urging the Bangladeshi government to investigate the theft, recover the crown, and take action against the perpetrators.

The crown, handcrafted over three weeks, features intricate designs and symbolizes the cultural and religious ties between India and Bangladesh. The Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple, a revered site among Hindus, is one of the 51 sacred Shakti Peethas. Believed to be built at the site where parts of Goddess Sati fell, the temple attracts numerous devotees due to its rich history and spiritual significance. This theft follows a series of attacks on Hindu temples in Bangladesh, raising alarms about the safety of minority communities amid the current political turmoil.

Local law enforcement, led by Shyamnagar Police Inspector Taizul Islam, is actively investigating the theft and reviewing CCTV footage to identify the thief. The rising incidents of vandalism and theft at religious sites highlight a concerning trend for the Hindu minority in Bangladesh, which has faced increased violence during periods of political unrest.

The Indian government has consistently raised alarms about the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh. In August, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the need for law and order to be restored, particularly for the protection of religious minorities and their places of worship. As this incident unfolds, the implications for India-Bangladesh relations, especially regarding cultural diplomacy and cooperation in safeguarding minority rights, are significant.

We have seen reports of theft of the crown gifted by PM Modi to Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple (Satkhira) in 2021 during his visit to ????????

We express deep concern & urge Govt of Bangladesh to investigate theft, recover the crown & take action against the perpetrators@MEAIndia @BDMOFA

— India in Bangladesh (@ihcdhaka) October 11, 2024