Muslim mob lays foundation of mosque on the land of historic Kantajew temple
Dinajpur District, Bangladesh 
22 March, 2024
Case Summary
Months after attempting to usurp the land of Chandranath Mandir, Islamists set their sights on encroaching upon Kantajew temple in Bangladesh's Dinajpur district. Reports indicated Muslims had initiated mosque construction on the temple's land, with local Parliamentarian Mohammed Zakaria Zaka laying the foundation stone. This move sparked protests from the Hindu community. The temple administration, owner of 62.46 acres of land, provided records to Deputy Commissioner Shakeel Ahmed, contesting the encroachment. Committee officials stated local Muslims forged documents to claim ownership, while Islamists asserted the land belonged to Jame Masjid of Kantnagar village.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
In Hinduism, a temple is the abode of the Deity. The Deity in the Temple is consecrated, thereby, making it a real, breathing entity. Hindus believe that not just the Deity but the temple premises itself are sacred to Hindus since Hindus hold the faith that the entire Temple space is an amalgamation of the divine energy of the deity. Not only the Temple but the Temple premises in its entirety are considered sacred by Hindus. In several cases, the premises of the Temple and/or religious centre are illicitly taken over by institutions belonging to other faiths – like the Waqf board or the Church. Other times, the temple property, land or the property of religious centres are illicitly encroached by non-Hindu groups. Any illicit take over or encroachment is a crime an initio, however, when non-Hindu groups illicitly take over or encroach the sacred land of Hindus, it is an affront to the Hindu community and is therefore classified as a religiously motivated hate crime under this category. Encroachment of temple land and attempts to build a mosque on such land are considered religiously motivated crimes due to the violation of sacred spaces and the potential to disrupt communal harmony. Such actions stem from an inherent Hindumisia and for this reason, this case qualifies for inclusion in the hate tracker database.
Case Status
Unknown
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Muslim Extremists
Perpetrators Range
Unknown
Perpetrators Gender
unknown
Sources 
