Vishnu Idol made of touchstone found in Dinajpur

A valuable ancient kosti stone (black touchstone) idol of Lord Vishnu, weighing approximately 20 kilograms, has been recovered from underground while excavating a pond in Bochaganj upazila of Dinajpur. Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mizanur Rahman of Bochaganj thana said upon receiving the information about the stone, police rushed to the spot and recovered the idol. According to local Union Parishad member Nazrul Islam, the excavation of a pond owned by former UP Chairman Ashesh Kumar Roy was going on since Wednesday evening using an excavator machine. 

During the digging process, the machine suddenly struck in a hard object and upon digging further the kosti stone idol of Lord Vishnu was brought to the surface. Following the recovery, the discovery created widespread curiosity among locals. From Wednesday evening until late at night, a large number of people gathered to witness the idol. Eyewitnesses said approximately 20-kg idol is intricately carved with fine craftsmanship.

Locals said, as the news spread quickly, it drew significant attention from members of the Hindu community, who flocked to the site. On Thursday afternoon, police arrived at the scene and took custody of the idol. OC Md. Mizanur Rahman said the idol appears to have archaeological significance due to its kosti stone composition. He added that the matter has been reported to higher authorities. 

Preliminary assessments suggest that the idol is an ancient religious artifact and could be an important part of the region’s historical and cultural heritage. Authorities have stated that the idol will be sent to the Dinajpur government treasury for preservation.