Islamic fundamentalists have again targeted the faith of Hindus in Darrang district of Sasam. Late night on Wednesday (January 21, 2026), at least 16 Hindu temples located in the areas around Mangaldoi were targeted and vandalized.
The attackers entered temples and decapitated idols, most of which were dedicated to Goddess Kali. The police have arrested five accused in connection with this shameful incident.
According to reports, temples located in Moamari, Gerimari and Gossaigaon areas near Mangaldoi were targeted one after the other. The temples which were vandalized include Gerimari Okhabheti Malou Chuba Shiva Temple, Bihari Basti Kali Temple, South Bihari Basti Kali Temple, Na-Nadi Mansa Temple, No. 235 LP School Kali Temple, Na-Nadi West Kali Temple, Moamari Okhabheti Shiva Temple, Moamari Shiva Temple, Gerimari Bhootnath Kali Temple, Cherng Kali Temple and many other temples.
The entire attack was planned
This attack was completely planned, the attackers entered the temples in the dark of night and broke the idols and decapitated them. Apart from this, other worship material and religious items kept in the temples were also damaged. The idols of these village temples were made of clay, which made it easy for the radicals to break them. The special thing is that mostly the targets were Kali temples.
Disclosure on opening of temple for morning puja
The vandalism was revealed on Thursday morning when priests and devotees reached the temple for morning puja. Seeing the condition of the temples, tension spread in the entire area. After this the police was immediately informed. Police teams including senior officers reached the spot and appealed to the people to maintain peace. Local people allege that this attack could be a conspiracy of illegal infiltrators displaced by encroachment removal operations. People say that the temples which were targeted are located in remote villages and it is not easy for outsiders to have information about them.
Five accused arrested
Considering the seriousness of the case, the police intensified the investigation and arrested five accused on Sunday. The arrested accused have been identified as Mahir Ali, Shamsul Ali, Moxed Ali, Jahinur Ali and Noorjamal Ali. Police fear that more people may be involved in this attack because it does not seem possible for a small group to target 16 temples located at different places in such a short time.
The arrested accused have been produced in the court and their interrogation is ongoing. Calling the entire incident a pre-planned conspiracy, local people have demanded that the call records and evidence of the accused be thoroughly investigated. Police officials also say that prima facie the attack appears to be part of a well-planned conspiracy.