Chinmoy Das, his followers booked in another case in Bangladesh amid outrage
A case was filed on Sunday following violent clashes between police and supporters of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das on the Chittagong court premises, according to reports from Bangladeshi media. The monk, currently under arrest on sedition charges, has been named the primary accused along with 164 identified individuals and 400 to 500 unidentified persons.
Details of the case
The complaint was lodged by Enamul Haque, a businessman and activist of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, before Chittagong Metropolitan Magistrate Md Abu Bakar Siddique. Haque alleged that he was attacked on November 26 while returning home from a land registry appointment at the court.
He claimed that he was targeted for wearing a traditional Punjabi kurta and cap. The assault reportedly caused serious injuries, including a fractured right hand and head trauma. Passersby rescued Haque, and he was later admitted to Chittagong Medical College Hospital.
Haque’s lawyer explained that the delay in filing the case was due to his prolonged recovery. “His right hand was fractured, and he sustained head injuries. Chinmoy Krishna Das has been named the principal accused,” the lawyer stated.
Legal fallout and additional cases
The incident is the latest in a series of clashes involving Chinmoy Krishna Das’ supporters following his arrest on sedition charges on November 25 at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. His arrest triggered widespread protests by members of the Hindu community and supporters linked to ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness).
On November 27, police filed three related cases at Kotwali police station, accusing hundreds of individuals of obstructing law enforcement and inciting violence.
Separately, a second complaint was filed by another businessman on Tuesday, alleging that he was attacked near Rangam Cinema Hall on November 26. His complaint named 29 identified individuals, including political activists and ISKCON members, along with 40 to 50 unidentified persons.
Escalating tensions and political context
The unrest comes amid rising tensions between India and Bangladesh following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5. Hasina fled the country after a student-led uprising, leading to the establishment of an interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus.
Relations between India and Bangladesh have since deteriorated, particularly after the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former ISKCON member, and spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sommilito Sanatani Jagaran Jote. His arrest has been a flashpoint for Hindu-Muslim tensions in the country.
During protests in Chattogram on November 26, Assistant Government Prosecutor Saiful Islam Alif was killed, intensifying the already fragile situation.
Judicial developments
On December 3, a Bangladesh court deferred the hearing on Chinmoy Krishna Das’ bail petition to January 2, citing the absence of legal representation. The government’s plea for the delay highlighted the charged atmosphere surrounding the case.
As the situation escalates, concerns over communal harmony in Bangladesh remain high, with observers noting that continued clashes could further strain India-Bangladesh relations and destabilize the region.
For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.
- Hamas releases four Israeli soldiers, Israel frees 200 Palestinian prisoners amid fragile ceasefire - January 25, 2025
- US Supreme Court clears extradition of 26/11 Mumbai attack convict Tahawwur Rana to India - January 25, 2025
- Federal Judge blocks Trump’s executive order on ending birthright citizenship; calls it ‘blatantly unconstitutional’ - January 24, 2025
