Daijiworld Media Network - Chattogram

Chattogram, Apr 27: A Hindu temple caretaker was found hanging from a tree three days after he went missing in southeastern Bangladesh, prompting a minority organisation to demand strict action against those responsible.

The deceased, Nayan Sadhu (40), was a resident of the Dohazari area under Sthania Upazila in Chattogram district. He was serving as a caretaker-cum-priest at a Shivakali temple in Khurushkul union in Cox’s Bazar Sadar Upazila, the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council said.

According to police and local residents in Cox’s Bazar, two unidentified men took Sadhu with them on the evening of April 19. Three days later, his body was discovered hanging from a tree in a hilly area on the outskirts of the village.

Police officials said the body had begun decomposing when it was recovered. However, authorities are yet to determine whether the case is one of murder or suicide.

In a statement, the Unity Council strongly condemned the incident and demanded immediate arrest and exemplary punishment for those responsible. A senior member of the organisation questioned the motive behind the killing of “an ordinary caretaker of a small temple in a remote area.”

The Cox’s Bazar unit of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad also expressed concern, stating that the circumstances suggest foul play as the body was found days after the victim went missing.

Police said the body has been sent for autopsy to ascertain the exact cause of death. An investigation was launched following a missing person’s complaint filed by the deceased’s wife on April 19.

Earlier, the Unity Council reported 133 incidents of communal violence across Bangladesh between January 1 and March 31 this year.