India has strongly condemned the vandalisation of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore’s ancestral home in Bangladesh, calling it a “despicable” and “disgraceful” act. In a sharply worded statement, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We strongly condemn the despicable act of vandalisation of Rabindranath Tagore's ancestral home in Bangladesh by a mob.” Calling the attack “a disgrace to the memory and inclusive values espoused by the Nobel Laureate,” the MEA highlighted a growing pattern of extremist attempts to erase cultural symbols of tolerance.

The vandalism occurred at the Rabindra Kacharibari (Tagore’s estate house) located in Shahzadpur upazila of Sirajganj district in Bangladesh. The historic mansion was once part of the Tagore family’s estate and served as a frequent retreat for the poet. Now functioning as a memorial museum, the estate holds immense cultural significance, preserving Tagore’s legacy and writings.

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Dispute Over Parking Fee Sparks Violence

According to reports from Bangladeshi news outlets including The Daily Star and bdnews24.com, the incident unfolded after a visitor got into a dispute with a museum employee over a parking fee. The disagreement allegedly led to the visitor being confined in an office room and physically assaulted. In retaliation, a local mob stormed the premises, vandalised the auditorium on the property, and reportedly attacked the museum’s director.

Following the attack, Md Haibur Rahman, custodian of the estate, informed the media that the museum has been temporarily closed. “Due to unavoidable circumstances, visitor admissions will be suspended. The Department of Archaeology has been monitoring the situation,” he said.

Case Filed Against Dozens Of Individuals

A case has been filed against 50–60 individuals, including 10 who have been named, in connection with the attack. The Bangladesh government has faced criticism, particularly from Indian political parties such as the BJP, for failing to protect a site of such profound historical and cultural importance.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra, at a press conference in New Delhi, criticised the Muhammad Yunus-led Bangladesh government for its silence and inaction over the June 10 mob attack on the Rabindra Memorial Museum, Tagore’s ancestral home. He called the vandalism a “premeditated” act aimed at sending a larger message by targeting a cultural icon. The attack followed a June 8 altercation between a museum official and a visitor over a parking fee, which allegedly led to the visitor’s assault and triggered public unrest.

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The Rabindra Kacharibari is not only a symbol of India-Bangladesh shared heritage but also a reminder of Tagore’s deep literary contributions that transcended national boundaries. The Indian government has urged Bangladesh’s interim administration to identify and punish the culprits swiftly and to ensure such incidents are not repeated.