Chittagong: Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former ISKCON member and spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote, is set to appear before a Chittagong court on Thursday for a crucial bail hearing in a sedition case. His arrest has sparked outrage among Hindu groups and human rights activists, who allege he is being targeted for his efforts to highlight the rising attacks on the Hindu minority in Bangladesh.
Eleven Lawyers to Represent Chinmoy Das
Eleven Supreme Court lawyers are set to participate in the bail hearing on Thursday of former ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das, The Daily Star reported.
Led by advocate Apurba Kumar Bhattacharjee, the legal team will defend Chinmoy, in a sedition case resulting from allegations of disrespecting Bangladesh’s national flag.
While speaking to The Daily Star, lawyer Apurba Kumar Bhattacharjee said, “We have come to Chattogram under the banner of Ainjibi Oikya Parishad, and we will move for Chinmoy in the court for his bail. I already got the Vakalatnama from Chinmoy.
I’m a member of both the Supreme Court and Chattogram Bar associations, so I don’t need authorisation from any local lawyer to move the case.”
The Arrest and Its Aftermath
Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested on November 25 at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Since then, he has been held in custody, with mounting calls for his release. Supporters claim he is being falsely implicated in a fabricated sedition case, with the sole purpose of silencing his voice against atrocities on Hindus.
The monk’s bail plea has gained significant attention, with a team of 20 lawyers from Dhaka and Chittagong filing the petition. Das’s primary advocate, Ravindra Ghosh, had earlier been prevented from filing an anticipatory bail plea, further complicating the case.
Chinmoy Das Health Deteriorates
Advocates representing Das argue that his health is deteriorating due to his detention. The 63-year-old monk is reportedly suffering from diabetes and respiratory issues, which they claim are being aggravated in jail. This has raised concerns among his followers and human rights organizations about the well-being of the religious leader.
The legal proceedings have also faced several hurdles. On December 11, Das’s initial bail plea was rejected by a Bangladesh court due to procedural lapses. The absence of a valid power of attorney and lawyer representation at that hearing was cited as the reason for the rejection.
Adding to the challenges, one of his lawyers, Subhashish Sharma, skipped a December 3 hearing, citing security concerns. This further delayed the case, leaving Das in jail.
Support from ISKCON and India’s Stand
ISKCON Kolkata has come out in strong support of Chinmoy Krishna Das. Radharamn Das, ISKCON’s spokesperson, expressed hope for a fair and just outcome. He also reiterated ISKCON’s commitment to ensuring the safety and rights of religious minorities in Bangladesh. Prayers and gatherings have been organized in India and abroad, urging authorities to deliver justice.
The Indian government has also stepped in, calling for a transparent trial. It has urged the Bangladesh administration to respect legal rights and ensure that due process is followed in the case.
(With ANI Inputs)
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