Traditional Solaiman Lengta Mela Shut Down Over Drug and Indecency Allegations

Inspector (Investigation) Pradip Mondal of the Matlab North Police Station confirmed the enforcement action on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. The administration’s decision followed reports that the spiritual sanctity of the annual gathering was being compromised by criminal activities, prompting a total ban on all fair-related activities after the evening prayers.

The fair is traditionally held every year on the 17th of the Bengali month of Chaitra to mark the Urs (death anniversary) of the renowned Sufi saint Hazrat Shah Sufi Solaiman (RA), popularly known as "Lengta Baba." However, local residents and elders complained that the spiritual event had been overshadowed by the illegal establishment of over two thousand cannabis stalls and dozens of stages for lewd dance performances. Critics argued that these activities were severely damaging the social and moral fabric of the Badarpur village area, leading to the administrative crackdown.

Despite the official closure announced via loudspeakers throughout Wednesday afternoon, the situation on the ground remained complex as of Wednesday night. Reports indicate that crowds numbering in the hundreds of thousands remained at the site, with drug trading and unauthorized gatherings continuing in several pockets of the fairgrounds. Local elders have called for permanent and stricter regulations to protect the youth from drug addiction and to restore the religious purity of the shrine. Police officials stated that their operations will remain ongoing to ensure the complete cessation of all unauthorized activities and to clear the area of illegal installations.