An idol of a Hindu goddess was found broken inside a local temple in the Baraitoli area of Kaliakair upazila, Gazipur early today.

According to police and locals, a passer-by named Mahadev and the temple priest, Sukumar Chakraborty, discovered the broken idol inside the temple this morning. They promptly informed the police about the incident.

The idol had been kept overnight in a small walled room with no doors or windows on the side of the road.

Riyad Mahmud, officer-in-charge (OC) of Kaliakair Police Station, said, "Yesterday, members of the Hindu community performed a puja at the site, which involved animal sacrifices. Due to the blood in the area, a wild animal might have attacked the idol. While some locals claim it was vandalised, others suggest it may have fallen. We are still sceptical and are investigating the incident."

Temple President Anil Chandra Biswas and priest Sukumar Chakraborty said that, upon receiving the report, Kaliakair upazila Nirbahi Officer and Kaliakair police have already visited the scene.

Kaliakair Upazila Nirbahi Officer Kausar Ahmed told The Daily Star, "Further details can be provided after the investigation is completed. Authorities are continuing their inquiry to determine the exact cause of the damage."