Theft of Crown Gifted by PM Modi Unsettles India-Bangladesh Relations

A notable silver, gold-plated crown, gifted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple in Satkhira, Bangladesh, was reportedly stolen. The crown, presented by Modi during his 2021 visit, was taken during an incident captured by CCTV on Thursday afternoon.

The theft occurred shortly after the temple’s priest, Dilip Banerjee, departed following routine worship activities. The suspect, seen in CCTV footage, was wearing a white T-shirt and jeans and is observed taking the crown and concealing it beneath his shirt before leaving the temple premises. “The man, who remains unidentified, was seen on footage from at least two cameras,” sources confirmed.

India has voiced strong concern over the incident. The Indian High Commission in Dhaka released a statement urging the Bangladesh government to investigate the theft thoroughly and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice. “We express deep concern & urge the Government of Bangladesh to investigate the theft, recover the crown, & take action against the perpetrators,” stated the commission on social media.

The crown, cherished for its cultural significance, was crafted by a local artisan in March 2021 and presented during Modi’s two-day visit to Bangladesh. During this visit, the Prime Minister performed rituals at the Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple, which is renowned as one of the 51 shaktipeeths in the Puranic tradition. Additionally, PM Modi announced financial support for constructing a community hall-cum-cyclone shelter at the temple complex. This facility aims to serve the local community both as a worship center during the annual Kali puja and mela, and as a storm refuge.

Authorities are currently reviewing available CCTV footage to identify the suspect and recover the valuable religious artifact.