Monks, BJP-Backed NCPI Clash With Kolkata Police Over Chinmoy Das’s Detention in Bangladesh
the protesters staged a roadside sit-in outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission.
By Sakshi
New Delhi, October 3: Monks, activists from various Hindutva organisations and members of the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), backed by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), reportedly clashed with the Kolkata Police on Saturday while demanding the release of Bangladeshi monk Chinmoy Krishna Das from Chattogram Central Jail in neighbouring Bangladesh.
The demonstrators attempted to break through barricades erected by the Kolkata Police near the diplomatic mission in the Beckbagan area, where the rally was headed to register its protest, reported news agency PTI. After being stopped, the protesters staged a roadside sit-in outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission, raising slogans demanding the release of Das, also known as Chinmoy Prabhu, who has been in custody since 2024.
The protesters claimed that the Hindu monk had been detained for an extended period without a proper trial.
BJP West Bengal president Samik Bhattacharya, speaking to reporters, supported the demonstrators and said protesting was their right. "Let them demonstrate. The Indian Constitution grants people the freedom to protest, which is a component of a democratic society. However, everything they say or do should be done freely, rather than behind a curtain. Who is behind this? We want the people who have stepped out to represent the opposition to come out openly...speak in Parliament, and participate in every discussion. That's what we want," Samik added.
Why Is Chinmoy Krishna Das in Jail?
Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former ISKCON leader and spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatani Jagaran Jot, was charged with sedition following allegations that the national flag was desecrated during one of the rallies he organised in Chattogram.
Within 24 hours of his arrest at Dhaka Airport, tensions escalated. His bail plea was rejected the following morning, triggering anger among his supporters and violence in the area. During clashes in an alley near the court premises in the Court Hill area, public prosecutor and lawyer Saiful Islam Alif was reportedly separated from the crowd, cornered and attacked with sharp weapons. Das was later formally charged with Alif's murder. He is currently facing a total of six criminal cases.
Five-Hour Parole to Perform Mother’s Last Rites
Das was granted a restricted five-hour parole to perform the last rites of his 71-year-old mother, Sandhya Rani Dhar, at the Pundarik Dham temple. His mother died in hospital after a prolonged illness. Her family had previously sought emergency medical parole for Das, but their requests were denied by the authorities, according to reports. Following her death, Chattogram District Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mia approved the brief release.
Footage later circulated on social media showing an emotional Das touching the feet of a religious idol before returning to prison after the five-hour parole ended.
