NEW DELHI: The Indian High Commission in Dhaka has expressed concern over theft of the crown in a temple that was gifted by PM Modi.
"We have seen reports of theft of the crown gifted by PM Modi to Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple (Satkhira) in 2021 during his visit to Dhaka. We express deep concern and urge the government of Bangladesh to investigate theft, recover the crown and take action against the perpetrators,’’ said the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.
The CCTV footage circulating on social media shows an unidentified man wearing a white T-shirt and a pair of jeans walking into the temple and removing the crown which he tucked in his T-shirt following which he walked out of the sanctum sanctorum and left the temple premises.
The theft reportedly occurred on October 10th.
PM Modi gifted the crown during his two-day visit to Bangladesh on March 26-27, 2021 when he performed puja at the centuries-old Jeshoreshwari Kali Shaktipeeth in Satkhira, a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali and one of 51 shaktipeeths of the Puranic tradition.
PM Modi had also placed a handmade crown or mukut of silver with gold plating which was reportedly crafted by a local artisan in three weeks on the idol.
During his visit, PM Modi also announced a grant for building a community hall-cum-cyclone shelter at the temple complex. This shelter would serve the community against adversity and also serve as a place for worship.