Deplorable, follow systematic pattern: India on attack on pandal, theft at temple in B'desh
New Delhi (PTI): India on Saturday said it has noted with "serious concern" the reported attack on a Durga Puja pandal and theft at a revered Kali temple in Bangladesh, as it requested Dhaka to ensure the safety and security of Hindus, all other minorities and their places of worship in the neighbouring country.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the incidents as "deplorable events" and flagged that these follow a "systematic pattern of desecration" of temples and deities in Bangladesh.
"We have noted with serious concern the attack on a Puja mandap in Tantibazar, Dhaka and the theft at the revered Jeshoreshwari Kali temple at Satkhira," the MEA said.
Bangladeshi daily "Prothom Alo" has reported an incident of a "crude bomb" allegedly thrown at a Durga Puja pandal in the Tantibazar area of Old Dhaka. Though the bomb caught fire, nobody was injured, the report said, adding that the incident took place on Friday night.
Friday marked the ninth and last day of Navratri, the nine-day sacred period for Hindus. Durga Puja is also celebrated during this time. It culminates with Dusshera or Vijaya Dashami on the 10th day.
The MEA has taken strong exception to the two reported incidents in Bangladesh.
"These are deplorable events. They follow a systematic pattern of desecration and damage to temples and deities that we have witnessed over several days now," it said.
"We call upon the government of Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities and their places of worship, especially during this auspicious festival time," it added.
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Malpe: Eight Bangladeshis held for illegal stay
Udupi (Karnataka), Oct 12: Eight Bangladeshi nationals who were staying illegally in Udupi district here were apprehended, police said on Saturday.
They were residing in Hoode village in the district for the past three years without valid passports or visas.
According to Udupi Superintendent of Police Arun K, the arrest came after one of the accused, identified as Mohammed Maniq, attempted to flee to Dubai from Mangaluru airport using a fake passport.
Suspicion from immigration officials led to his arrest at Bajpe airport in the neighbouring Dakshina Kannada district, he said. "Upon interrogation, Maniq revealed that seven other Bangladeshi nationals were staying with him illegally in Hoode village."
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The information was relayed to the Udupi police, who subsequently conducted a raid in the area.
Police detained the seven individuals on Friday and initiated a detailed inquiry into their illegal stay. During the investigation, it was discovered that the accused possessed fake Aadhaar cards.
SP Arun stated that an investigation is underway to determine how the accused obtained these fraudulent Aadhaar cards and how they managed to cross the border into India from Bangladesh.
The eight Bangladeshi nationals are currently in police custody and are expected to be produced before a local court.
