India concerned over Chinmoy Krishna Das’s arrest

India has expressed “deep concern” over the arrest and denial of bail to former ISKCON leader Chandan Kumar Dhar, also known as Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement on Tuesday (November 26), expressing concern over the incident.

In the statement, the Indian ministry said: “We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson for Sammilita Sanatani Jagaran Jote, and head of Pundarik Dham in Chattogram. This incident follows the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh.”

It claimed there are “several documented cases of arson and looting of minorities’ homes and business establishments, as well as theft and vandalism and desecration of deities and temples.”

“We also note with concern the attacks on minorities protesting peacefully against the arrest of Shri Das. We urge Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right of freedom of peaceful assembly and expression.”

The Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) detained Chinmoy Krishna Das from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday (November 25) afternoon.

A Chattogram court today sent him to jail rejecting a petition for his bail in a sedition case filed with Kotwali Police Station.