Police in Panchagarh’s Atwari upazila have concluded that the recent vandalism of a Kali idol was not a communal incident but stemmed from a long-running land dispute. The incident occurred on July 8 in the Jugikata area of Dhamor Union, where two families—those of Anil Chandra Roy and Lakshmicharan Roy—have been contesting ownership of 6.66 acres of land. Police said a temporary temple and idol had been set up months earlier on the disputed land, and that the idol was later broken to mislead the public and inflame tensions.

Authorities reported that Anil Chandra’s group entered the land to cultivate it despite a local administration order prohibiting access before a scheduled July 12 mediation. A clash ensued with Zakir Hossain, who had purchased the land from Lakshmicharan Roy, leaving Zakir seriously injured. Police said a video was circulated online showing the broken idol placed in Zakir’s hands to frame him.

Officials confirmed that the situation is now under control, with additional police deployed. Both sides later attended a meeting at the Upazila Nirbahi Officer’s office and announced a settlement.