Islamists Attack Lawyer Defending Hindu Monk Chinmoy Krishna In Bangladesh: ISKCON

A lawyer representing Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu monk arrested on sedition charges in Bangladesh, has been brutally attacked by alleged Islamist assailants and is now in critical condition in an ICU, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) reported.

Radharaman Das, ISKCON's spokesperson, posted on X (formerly Twitter), urging prayers for Advocate Ramen Roy. He wrote, "Please pray for Advocate Ramen Roy. His only 'fault' was defending Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu in court. Islamists ransacked his home and brutally attacked him, leaving him fighting for his life."

The attack reportedly took place as a Bangladeshi court was set to hear Chinmoy Krishna Das's case on December 3. However, several lawyers in Bangladesh have denied that such an incident occurred.

This follows a similar controversy last month when social media claimed that a lawyer defending the monk had been killed. Investigations later revealed that the victim, Saiful Islam, was an assistant public prosecutor and not involved in defending Chinmoy Krishna Das.

Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a former ISKCON leader in Bangladesh, was arrested in Dhaka last month after protests by the Hindu community in Rangpur. These protests demanded stronger legal protections for minorities. Following his arrest, he was charged with sedition and denied bail.

The political climate in Bangladesh remains tense, with widespread unrest over minority rights. The situation has intensified since the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. ISKCON also reported that two disciples of Chinmoy Krishna Das have gone missing in Chattogram after another Hindu monk, Shyam Das Prabhu, was arrested.

India Reacts to the Arrest and Violence

India has strongly condemned the arrest and urged Bangladesh to ensure the safety of its minority communities. Indian religious leaders and civil society groups have staged protests across the country, including in West Bengal and states bordering Bangladesh.

In Tripura, the outrage has led to a tourism boycott, with hotels and restaurants refusing bookings from Bangladeshi tourists. Additionally, over 50 protesters stormed the Bangladeshi mission in Agartala earlier today, causing panic among officials. The Indian government described the incident as "deeply regrettable."