Propagandists, including certain media outlets, are spreading false claims about an Indian national arrested in Bangladesh for vandalizing idols in a Hindu temple in Faridpur. In reality, the individual in question is Sanjit Biswas, a resident of Gopalganj. Police have confirmed that he is the son of Nishikant Biswas from Nizamkandi village in Kashiani upazila. Sanjit was apprehended on suspicion of vandalizing Durga Pratima. But it’s important to note that he is mentally ill and had been missing for the past four years.
Propagandists and media outlets circulate misleading claims about Hindu temple
Several users, influencers, propagandists and Bangladeshi media outlets circulated misleading claims about the identity of the man arrested on the suspicion of vandalizing Hindu idols.
Sharing the image of the person, propagandist @PinakiTweetsBD wrote. It’s fascinating to observe the regional politics of the Indian subcontinent, where religion is often exploited as a tool for maintaining hegemony. The ruling class, unable to address real issues, fuels religious tension to distract people with non-issues. You may have heard that Hindu idols are frequently vandalized in Bangladesh. Interestingly, it turns out that recently, an Indian man, who is Hindu by religion and pretending to be mentally ill, was caught in Bangladesh while destroying Hindu idols. It’s quite absurd, isn’t it?
Another propaganda account @doamuslims also disseminated the claims and wrote. Police in Faridpur have arrested Sanjit Biswas, a 45-year-old from India, in connection with the vandalism of idols at two Hindu temples, Hari Mandir and Kali Mandir. The incidents occurred on the night of September 14.
Several other users, influencers and propagandists have also disseminated the claims. Their posts can be seen here. @Sohan_RSB, @BNPBdMediaCell, @JusticeBengal, @saNewsDaily, @Rami_0_1, @PREMIUMERZA, @Mamunxid, @BackupSazi15692, @muktadirnewage, @_Md_zidan, @saifahmed75
Additionally, several media outlets also disseminated the claims, their reports can be accessed here, DhakaTimes, TheSiasatDaily, thedailystar, bdnews24, bd24live, banglanews24.
The truth about behind vandalizing Hindu temple
As soon as the posts containing the image and claims came to our notice. Subsequently, we conducted research and analysis of the incident and found that the person in question was not an Indian, but a mentally ill Bangladeshi citizen.
To verify the claims made by users and propagandists, we conducted a reverse image search using Google Lens. This led us to multiple reports featuring the same image but making similar assertions about the individual’s identity. Our research also uncovered a recent article from the Bangladeshi media outlet Dhaka Post, which clarified that the arrested person is not Indian, but a Bangladeshi citizen from Gopalganj.
Police said, that after seeing the picture of Sanjit Biswas, his father Nishikant Biswas (72) contacted the district police and said that the arrested person was his son. He (Sanjit) is mentally ill. At the age of 25, he went to India for work and stayed for a long time. Later returned to the country. In between, Sanjit went missing after leaving home about 4 years ago, never returned home and has no contact with his family.
Therefore, it is evident from verified sources that the person in question was not an Indian. But a Bangladeshi citizen from Gopalganj.
Intent
Bangladeshi police, authorities, and media reports attempted to discredit India by inaccurately labeling a Bangladeshi citizen as Indian.
Conclusion
Claim– An Indian national was arrested in Bangladesh for vandalizing Hindu idols in Faridpur.
Fact– The arrested person was not an Indian national but a Bangladeshi citizen from Gopalganj. He was mentally ill and missing for the last four years
