Bangladesh court issues fresh arrest warrants against Hindu leader Chinmoy Das, adding to existing charges. He has been jailed since November 25 over multiple serious allegations including sedition and murder links.
A court in Bangladesh on Tuesday gave new arrest orders against Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu leader who is already in jail.
These new orders are for four more cases. This happened just one day after the court had earlier asked for his arrest in a murder case.
The four fresh cases include serious charges like stopping police from doing their work at the Kotwali police station and attacking lawyers and people who had come to court seeking justice.
Because of safety concerns, Chinmoy Krishna Das did not appear in person and instead joined the court hearing virtually.
On Tuesday morning, the police increased security outside the Chattogram court and in front of the Chattogram jail. This step was taken due to rising tension around the case.
The new arrest orders came only a day after the court ordered Chinmoy’s arrest for his suspected role in the killing of Assistant Government Prosecutor Saiful Islam Alif.
Alif was reportedly killed in a violent protest that broke out after Chinmoy Krishna Das was first arrested. He was said to be hacked to death during this unrest.
Earlier, on April 30, a High Court bench in Bangladesh had granted bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das. However, that bail order was quickly paused by the Appellate Division’s chamber judge, Justice Rezaul Haque, after the government filed an urgent challenge.
So, who is Chinmoy Krishna Das?
Chinmoy Krishna Das, also known as Saint Chinmoy Prabhu, is a prominent Hindu religious leader in Bangladesh. His real name is Chandan Kumar Dhar.
He is the head of the ISKCON temple in Chittagong. He came into the spotlight during the recent unrest in Bangladesh. After violent incidents targeting Hindus started happening across the country, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left Bangladesh on August 5, 2024.
ALSO READ: Hindu Monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Granted Bail in Bangladesh After 6 Months in Sedition Case
Following these events, a new group called the Sanatan Jagaran Manch was formed to protect the rights of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.
Chinmoy Krishna Das became the main spokesperson of this group. Through the Sanatan Jagaran Manch, Chinmoy led many rallies in cities like Chittagong and Rangpur. Thousands of people joined these rallies.
So why was Chinmoy Krishna Das arrested?
On October 25, 2024, the Sanatan Jagaran Manch held a big rally at Laldighi Maidan in Chittagong. During this rally, Chinmoy Krishna Das spoke and put forward eight demands.
At the same time, some people hoisted a saffron flag at the Azadi Stambh near New Market Chowk. The flag had the words “Ami Sanatani” written on it.
Just six days later, on October 31, a sedition case was filed against Chinmoy Krishna Das and 19 other people.
The case was filed by Feroz Khan, a leader from the opposition party BNP led by Begum Khaleda Zia. In the complaint, they were accused of disrespecting the national flag.
This situation has raised serious concerns about the freedom of religious speech and minority rights in Bangladesh. Many are watching closely to see how the legal system handles the matter.
With multiple serious charges now filed against him, including sedition and murder-related accusations, Chinmoy Krishna Das remains in custody as the investigation continues.
Click Here to Read More Reports On Medical
