India says it is deeply concerned over the theft of Goddess Kali crown gifted by PM Modi to Bangladesh temple

New Delhi: India has expressed “deep concern” over the reports claiming that a Goddess Kali crown, which was gifted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been stolen from a Bangladesh temple.

The temple is located in Satkhira’s Shyamnagar, in March 2021.

In an X post, the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh wrote, “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 & urge Govt of Bangladesh to investigate theft, recover the crown & take action against the perpetrators.”

The police are probing into the incident, which occurred at around 2 pm on Thursday.

As per reports, temple priest Dilip Mukherjee had left the premises after concluding worship for the day.

As caught in the CCTV footage, a man was seen entering into the temple, allegedly stealing the crown and leaving.

The silver and gold-plated crown was placed on the head of the deity by Modi in 2021 when he visited the temple in March 2021.

The Kali temple, which was built in the 12th century, is located in Iswanipur village.

Bangladesh has reported arson, killings, and multiple incidents of persecution of minority communities since Sheikh Hasina’s resignation as the Prime Minister and exit from the country in August.

Bangladesh is still looking at uncertainty even as a caretaker government has been sworn in under the leadership of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Reports of persecution of minority communities- read Hindus- continue to pour in.

Hindu community members in Bangladesh have been urging the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government to take appropriate measures to stop sectarian attacks, persecution, and extrajudicial attempts to kill under the guise of mob justice across the country.