Expressing “deep concern” over the reported theft of a crown gifted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Jeshoreshwari Kali temple in Bangladesh, India on Friday asked Dhaka to “investigate” the matter. In a post on X, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka said: “We have seen reports of theft of the crown gifted by PM Modi to Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple (Satkhira) in 2021 during his visit to Bangladesh. We express deep concern and urge Govt of Bangladesh to investigate theft, recover the crown and take action against the perpetrators.” According to local media reports, the gold-plated crown offered to Goddess Kali was stolen on Thursday afternoon. The theft was noticed by cleaning staff who entered the temple after the priest left at about 2 pm, The Daily Star reported. Modi had visited the Jeshoreshwari Temple on March 27, 2021, as part of his visit which coincided with the celebrations of Bangladesh’s 'Golden Jubilee of Independence' and the birth centenary of its founding leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Sources said the Indian High Commission in Dhaka is in touch with the local authorities regarding the matter. “The Bangladesh law enforcement authorities have been urged to investigate the incident, recover the stolen article and bring the guilty to book,” said sources. Earlier this year, after taking charge as Bangladesh Chief Advisor on August 8, Muhammad Yunus had reached out to the Hindu minority with a visit to the Dhakeshwari Temple where he met community leaders and assured “justice” and “equal rights” for all. The community had faced attacks in the wake of the political turmoil after Sheikh Hasina resigned as Prime Minister and fled to India on August 5. Modi had earlier urged Yunus to ensure “the safety and protection of Hindus and all other minority communities”.
