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Kolkata, June 12, 2025 – West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed deep anguish over the vandalism of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore’s ancestral home, known as Rabindra Kacharibari, in Sirajganj, Bangladesh. In a strongly worded letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, Banerjee condemned the incident as “shocking and unfortunate” and urged the central government to engage with the interim government of Bangladesh, led by Muhammad Yunus, to ensure justice for those responsible and to prevent such acts in the future.
The historic Kacharibari, located in Shahjadpur, Sirajganj, is a significant cultural landmark where Tagore spent considerable time during his life, creating many of his timeless literary works. Banerjee emphasized in her letter that the attack was not merely on a building but on a “fountain of creativity” and a symbol of cultural heritage revered not only in Bengal but across the world. “This is an assault on the sensibilities, heritage, and nostalgia of millions,” she wrote, underscoring Tagore’s global stature as a poet, philosopher, and the first non-European Nobel laureate in Literature.
According to local media reports, the vandalism occurred on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, when a mob allegedly stormed the premises, damaging furniture, windows, and the auditorium. The incident reportedly stemmed from a dispute over a parking token between a visitor and security personnel, which escalated into violence. A staff member was also allegedly assaulted during the chaos. Banerjee described the act as an attack on Tagore’s legacy and the shared cultural roots of Bengalis, noting his historic role in opposing the partition of Bengal during the Swadeshi movement.
In her letter, Banerjee called for strong diplomatic intervention, stating, “I urge you to take up this matter firmly with the government of our neighboring country to ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice. While irreparable damage has already been done, a robust international protest is necessary to prevent such incidents in the future.” She also reminded Modi of Tagore’s universal appeal, describing him as a “global icon” whose legacy transcends borders.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage in India and Bangladesh, with many criticizing the decision by Bangladesh’s archaeology department to indefinitely bar visitors from the site following the vandalism. A three-member committee has been formed to investigate the incident, and a case has been filed against 10 to 12 identified individuals and 50 to 60 others, according to Shahjadpur police. However, no arrests have been reported so far, raising concerns about the authorities’ response.
The vandalism of Tagore’s ancestral home comes amid reports of increasing attacks on cultural and historical sites in Bangladesh, including those associated with Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and other prominent figures. Banerjee’s letter has reignited discussions about the need to protect shared cultural heritage, with many calling for international cooperation to safeguard such sites.
AI/MR
