More than five hundred Sanatan Hindu families in Harina village of Dheukhali Union under Sadarpur upazila in Faridpur are living in deep insecurity following a violent dispute over temple land. Since an attack a few days ago, panic has spread across the entire village, including Ghoshpara, Sahapara, Jelepara and Tatipara. Fearing renewed violence, many families have been forced to leave their homes and take shelter in safer locations.
On Friday morning (22 November), local residents formed a human chain near the temple premises, demanding the immediate arrest of those involved in the attack. Participants alleged that despite filing a case, the accused continue to intimidate villagers, creating an atmosphere of constant fear.
According to local residents and case details, prior to independence, Kedarnath Gop established the Radha Gobinda Temple on his own land in Harina village. During the Liberation War, he left for India, but local Hindu residents continued worship at the temple. After independence, Jaydeb Ghosh, claiming to be a relative of Kedarnath Gop, allegedly prepared forged documents to register about 45 decimals of land, including the temple, in his name. A legal dispute over the land is currently pending in court.
It is alleged that Jaydeb Ghosh secretly sold the disputed land, including the temple, to Babul Bepari. On 16 November at around 4:30 am, Jaydeb Ghosh, Babul Bepari and several hundred associates reportedly attempted to seize the land by vandalising the temple. When local Hindu residents resisted, they were attacked, leaving 15 to 20 people seriously injured. The attackers are also accused of looting gold ornaments and cash worth approximately Tk 1.2 million from several houses.
Victims claim that after the case was filed, the accused intensified threats, visiting homes at night, using abusive language and issuing death threats. CCTV footage is said to have captured parts of the attack. Attempts to contact Jaydeb Ghosh were unsuccessful as he remains absconding, while Babul Bepari declined to comment.
Officer-in-Charge of Sadarpur Police Station, Sukdeb Roy, said cases have been filed over the vandalism, assault and looting, and police operations are underway to arrest the accused. He added that strict surveillance is being maintained to prevent further incidents.
GLIVE/TSN