Murder and Looting at Central Crematorium and Temple in Natore, Northern Bangladesh
The police have recovered the body of a man from the central crematorium in Natore, a northern district of Bangladesh. Simultaneously, a theft of century-old brass, bronze, and copper utensils from the temple at the site has been reported.
The deceased, Tarun Das (45), was a resident of Alaiapur in Natore and the son of Kali Chandra Das. He had been spending his nights at the temple for the past 24 years. On Saturday morning, his bloodied body was discovered with his hands and feet tied.
Akhtar Jahan Sathi, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Natore Sadar, stated that CID and Crime Scene units from Rajshahi visited the site and conducted investigations. Initial findings suggest that the perpetrators committed the murder during a burglary attempt.
Mahbubur Rahman, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Sadar Police Station, said, "The victim’s hands and feet were tightly bound, and blood marks were found on his head. A case has been filed, and efforts are underway to apprehend the culprits."
Subol Das, the president of the temple committee, described the crematorium and temple as historic and significant to the Hindu community. He mentioned that regular and annual worship ceremonies are held there. However, the lack of nighttime security allowed the perpetrators to exploit the situation.
He further explained, "The deceased, Tarun Das, was not a caretaker but had been staying at the temple for a long time. On Saturday morning, his body was found tied to a bench."
Context of Violence Against Minorities in Bangladesh
The Press Wing of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus stated on December 10 that between August 5 and October 22, 88 cases were filed and 70 individuals were arrested for violence targeting minorities.
Subsequent incidents have also led to the filing of new cases, with the police compiling a detailed list. "The number of arrests will increase, and there may be one or two additional cases. Incidents have occurred in Sunamganj, as well as in Chattogram, Dhaka’s Turag area, and Narsingdi," Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said at a press conference.
Additionally, there have been allegations of repression and abuse against adherents of the Sanatan religion before and after the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, spokesperson for the Sanatan Jagaran Manch.
Indian media regularly reports on "violence and repression" against minorities in Bangladesh, which the Bangladeshi government has consistently described as "exaggeration and misinformation."
