Ram statue promoter Haridas's 'Mashallah Manzil' padlocked by creditors after arrest
The sprawling house once known as "Mashallah Manzil" in Mymensingh's Fulbaria has been padlocked by creditors after its owner, alleged fraudster Haridas Chandra Tarani Das, was arrested in a money laundering case, marking the dramatic fall of a property that had long symbolised wealth, influence and controversy.
The mansion's main gate was locked by alleged victims on last Wednesday afternoon after they staged a human chain in Mymensingh city demanding justice against Haridas, according to police.
Fulbaria Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Rashedul Hasan confirmed the development to Daily Waadaa. "I have heard that after the human chain programme, the creditors went to the house in the afternoon and padlocked it," the OC said.
"They also hung a banner inside the gate demanding justice against Haridas. Police are aware of the matter," he added.
According to local residents, Haridas married Smriti Akter, daughter of vegetable trader Rafiqul Islam of Balashwar Chhaitantala village in Balian Union, in 2019.
After the marriage, he allegedly assumed the Muslim identity of Md Tawhid Islam and began introducing himself by that name in the locality. Residents allege he wore Muslim attire, regularly offered prayers at the local mosque and participated in religious activities to gain the trust of the community.
Local people say he later cultivated ties with influential quarters in the area and promised residents government housing, tube wells, public-sector jobs and other state benefits.
Using those promises, he allegedly collected money from hundreds of people.
Residents further claim that in 2019 Haridas purchased about 13 decimals of land and then encroached on approximately 15 decimals of adjacent government canal land, where he built the four-storey Mashallah Manzil at an estimated cost of 4 crore taka.
The property was initially announced as the site of a modern healthcare centre. After construction was completed, however, it was converted into an entertainment and cottage business featuring a large swimming pool.
Several local residents alleged that the premises were later used for immoral activities and drug trafficking. Waadaa could not independently verify those allegations.
Abandoned house and arrest
The once-lavish house now stands abandoned. Dust covers its rooms, spider webs hang from its walls and ceilings, and the signboard reading "Paris Swimming Pool Entertainment Park" has been removed.
The house, which once drew curious visitors from across the region, is now attracting creditors seeking to recover their money.
Among them is Tofayel Mia, who said local van-rickshaw driver Golap Mostafa paid 100,000 taka to Tawhid Islam aka Haridas about six years ago as part of a promised 700,000 taka deal after being assured that his son would secure a government job.
According to Tofayel, only 40,000 taka has been returned over the past six years, while the remaining money remains unpaid. Golap Mostafa is no longer believed to be living in the area.
Local sources said Smriti Akter and her family had continued living in the mansion until Wednesday.
After concluding the human chain programme in Mymensingh city, the alleged victims went to the house, forced Smriti Akter to leave and locked the property's main gate.
Haridas Chandra Tarani Das was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on the night of July 12 from a Ram temple in Palashbari, Gaibandha, with assistance from district police, in a case filed under the Money Laundering Prevention Act.
He had previously drawn nationwide attention as the promoter of a planned 81-foot-tall statue of the Hindu deity Ram.
Authorities are currently investigating him over multiple allegations, including fraud, embezzlement, money laundering and the acquisition of illegal wealth.
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