Mother Mary Statue Vandalised Inside Locked Grotto in West Bengal Village; FIR Registered

Raidighi, November 11, 2026: A statue of the Virgin Mary was found vandalised inside a locked grotto at Ghosh Para in Bamunerchak village, Khari, under Raidighi Police Station in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district, early on November 9. Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR), and an investigation is under way to identify those responsible.

The damage was discovered around 4.30 am by a local resident who was passing the grotto on his way to go fishing. On noticing the vandalised statue, he raised an alarm, alerting villagers, many of whom were still asleep. Within 10 to 15 minutes, several residents had gathered at the site.

According to Ascension Church parish priest Fr Ujjwal Mondal, who received information about the incident shortly after celebrating morning Mass, he immediately rushed to the location. After speaking with residents, he asked them to photograph the damage and report the incident to the local civil authorities and police. He also appealed to the community not to accuse anyone without evidence until those responsible were identified.

The incident has caused concern among members of the local Catholic community, which is served by Ascension Church, Khari, and comprises approximately 700 Catholic families.

Within two hours of the incident being reported, the Inspector-in-Charge, Second Officer and other personnel from Raidighi Police Station reached the grotto for a preliminary inspection. They spoke with the parish priest and villagers and assured them of police support, security and a thorough investigation. The Inspector-in-Charge also offered to arrange a replacement statue of the Virgin Mary.

Later that evening, Fr Mondal visited the police station with eight parishioners and lodged a formal complaint. Police subsequently registered an FIR and provided a copy to the parish representatives.

No one has been identified in connection with the vandalism so far. The investigation is continuing, while the situation in the village remains under control, Fr Mondal said.

The local Church community is awaiting the outcome of the police investigation and has expressed hope that those responsible will be identified and brought to justice.

By Catholic Connect Reporter