Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], January 2 : Following the Chattogram court’s decision to reject the bail plea of Chinmoy Krishna Das, the former ISKCON leader, Kolkata ISKCON Vice President Radha Raman Das expressed disappointment, stating that the world had hoped for his release as the new year began. He urged the Bangladesh government to ensure justice for Chinmoy Krishna Das.
Speaking with ANI, Radha Raman Das said, “It’s very sad news. The entire world was watching this case. Everyone had hoped that Chinmoy Prabhu would be freed in the new year, but even after 42 days, his bail was rejected today.”
He added, “After reviewing the detailed order, we will understand the specific reasons behind the rejection of his bail plea. This issue has garnered global attention, with discussions in the British Parliament and among American politicians, all concerned about his arrest.”
Radha Raman further emphasized the need for the Bangladesh government to ensure justice, expressing concerns about Chinmoy Krishna Das’ health and continued confinement. “We’ve heard he’s not well, but keeping him in detention is unjust. He has become a symbol of hope for the minorities in Bangladesh,” he stated.
As for the next steps, he noted that Chinmoy Krishna Das’ lawyers would assess the detailed order and decide on further legal actions accordingly.
Meanwhile, Manindra Kumar Nath, Acting General Secretary of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, confirmed the court’s decision to reject the bail request. He stated, “We will approach the high court for bail. Our legal team, including Advocate Apurba Bhattacharjee and Advocate Anup Saha, represented Chinmoy Krishna Das at the hearing today, and we will continue to pursue his release in the High Court.”
Chinmoy Krishna Das’ lawyer, Apurba Kumar Bhattacharjee, also confirmed plans to appeal the bail decision to the High Court.
The unrest surrounding Chinmoy Krishna Das began with sedition charges filed against him for allegedly raising a saffron flag above Bangladesh’s national flag in Chittagong on October 25. His arrest on November 25 led to violent protests, with clashes between his followers and law enforcement outside the Chattogram Court Building on November 27, resulting in the death of a lawyer.
Further arrests followed, including two monks, Adipurush Shyam Das and Ranganath Das Brahmachari, who were detained after visiting Chinmoy Krishna Das in custody. Radha Raman also claimed that rioters vandalized an ISKCON center in Bangladesh during the unrest.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed concern over the escalating violence and extremist rhetoric in Bangladesh, highlighting ongoing issues of targeted attacks on minorities in the country.