BENGALURU: Tension gripped Devarabeesanahalli near Marathahalli on Tuesday morning after a man, identified as Kabir Mondal, allegedly entered a local temple and shouted religious slogans. Police said Mondal, a Bangladeshi national reportedly living in the city illegally, was arrested after attempting to damage idols and create panic inside the premises.
Man barges into temple shouting slogans
According to the Bellandur Police, the incident occurred at around 10 am when the accused entered the Venugopal Temple in Devarabeesanahalli and began shouting “Allah Hu Akbar.” Witnesses said he also tried to hit the idols at the temple entrance with his footwear.
“He barged into the temple, shouting and threatening to destroy the idols. People nearby rushed in, restrained him, and tied him to a pole until the police arrived,” said a local resident who witnessed the incident.
Videos and photos of the man being restrained quickly circulated on social media, adding to the tension in the area.
Police intervene and arrest accused
A police team reached the spot soon after being alerted and took the accused into custody. Officials said a First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against Kabir Mondal for disturbing communal harmony and attempting to damage religious property.
“We have taken the accused into custody and are verifying his background, including his nationality and immigration status,” said a senior police officer.
The police also registered a separate case against unidentified individuals who allegedly assaulted the man before the police arrived. “Both cases are being investigated in accordance with law,” the officer added.
Probe into nationality and motive
Preliminary investigations suggest that Kabir Mondal may have entered India illegally from Bangladesh and had been staying in Bengaluru for some time. However, officials said that verification through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) and the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission is underway to confirm his citizenship.
Police sources added that they are also investigating the motive behind his actions. “We are checking whether the incident was spontaneous or if there was any external provocation,” the officer said.
Community urges calm, officials appeal for restraint
Following the incident, community leaders and local residents gathered outside the temple demanding strict action. The police deployed additional personnel to prevent escalation and maintain law and order in the area.
Senior officials appealed to the public not to circulate unverified videos or inflammatory messages online. “We urge citizens to remain calm and allow the investigation to proceed. Spreading rumours could create unnecessary communal tension,” said the official.
Illegal stay under scanner
Authorities suspect that the accused had been illegally residing in the city for several months, possibly working in construction or as a daily wage labourer. Bengaluru Police and immigration officials have started a joint verification drive in nearby areas to identify others living without valid documents.
The incident has reignited discussions around illegal immigration and verification of foreign nationals residing in the city. Officials said they would submit a detailed report to the state government once the probe is complete.