Bangladesh Court Denies Bail To Hindu Monk Chinmoy Krishna Das In Sedition Case

A court in Chattogram in Bangladesh has refused bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a former monk of ISKCON.

The Chattogram Metropolitan Sessions judge Md Saiful Islam rejected the bail request after hearing arguments from both sides for about 30 minutes, according to a report in Daily Star. The bail plea hearing was held under strict security measures as the case has attracted significant attention due to its high-profile nature.

Legal Representation and Court Proceedings

On Thursday, 11 Supreme Court lawyers arrived at the court to represent Chinmoy Krishna Das. Despite their efforts, the court ruled against their plea for bail.

The legal team representing Chinmoy Krishna Das is led by lawyer Apurba Kumar Bhattacharjee. "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 am 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," Hindustan Times quoted him as saying ahead of court hearing.

Background and Arrest

Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested on November 25 on sedition charges where he is alleged of raising a saffron flag above Bangladesh's national flag in Chittagong. His arrest led to protests and violent clashes between his followers and law enforcement outside the Chattogram Court Building on November 27, resulting in a lawyer's death.

The situation escalated with further arrests. ISKCON Kolkata reported that two monks, Adipurush Shyam Das and Ranganath Das Brahmachari, were detained on November 29 after visiting Chinmoy Krishna Das in custody.

Ongoing Legal Battle

Despite facing challenges, Ghosh remains committed to defending his client in Bangladeshi courts. He mentioned being "under constant pressure" since taking on this case but is determined to continue fighting against what he believes are false charges aimed at extending the monk's imprisonment indefinitely.

Ghosh suspects that Chinmoy Krishna Das has been framed due to his efforts in rallying support within the Hindu community.