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Police have received 86 general diaries (GDs) over lost and stolen mobile phones during a three-day Lalon festival at Lalon Akhara in Cheuriya, Kumarkhali upazila, Kushtia.
Despite the large number of complaints, police have so far recovered no phones or arrested anyone in connection with the incidents.
Kumarkhali Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Jamal Uddin confirmed the information on Thursday (October 22).
The festival was organised at Lalon Akhara to mark the 136th death anniversary of Baul mystic Fakir Lalon Shah. A large number of Baul singers, devotees and visitors from different parts of the country gathered at the venue.
Amid the crowds, many visitors faced difficulties after losing their mobile phones. Several alleged that their phones had been stolen during the festival and subsequently filed GDs with the police.
Local journalist Arafat Hossain was also among those who lost a phone. He said he discovered his phone missing from his pocket while leaving the Lalon stage area on the second day of the festival. He later filed a GD with the police.
Arafat said the authorities should have maintained closer surveillance to ensure visitors’ safety amid the heavy crowds.
OC Jamal Uddin said 86 GDs had been filed over missing mobile phones in the shrine area up to Wednesday. A police team was investigating the incidents, but no phones had been recovered and no suspects arrested so far.
The incidents have raised concerns among festivalgoers, with affected visitors calling for stronger security measures and closer monitoring to prevent theft in crowded areas.