Hindu Monk Chinmoy Das, 38 Others Indicted in Bangladesh Lawyer Killing Case

A Bangladeshi court has indicted Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das and 38 others in connection with the killing of a lawyer during violent protests in the southeastern port city of Chattogram in November 2024. The indictment marks a major development in a case that has drawn widespread attention due to its religious, political, and diplomatic implications.

The charges stem from unrest that followed Das’s arrest on November 25, 2024, when he was detained at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport over allegations of sedition. Das, a former leader of ISKCON and a spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, was later denied bail and sent to judicial custody by a court in Chattogram.

His arrest triggered protests by followers and supporters across multiple cities, including Dhaka. On November 26, demonstrations in Chattogram escalated into violence, during which junior government prosecutor Saiful Islam Alif was killed. The incident significantly heightened tensions and prompted a large-scale investigation.

On Monday, the Chattogram Divisional Speedy Trial Tribunal formally framed charges against Das under Sections 302 (murder) and 109 (abetment) of the Penal Code. Twenty-two other accused were charged under various sections related to violence and conspiracy. In total, 39 individuals have been accused in the case.

According to court records, 23 of the accused, including Das, are currently in custody and will face trial in person, while 16 others remain absconding. The tribunal issued the order after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defence, more than a year after the lawyer’s death.

Before framing the charges, the judge read out the allegations in open court to the accused who were present. Security around the courthouse was tight, with elite police units deployed amid heightened tension. Visuals from the court premises showed Das being escorted under heavy security as crowds outside raised slogans, underscoring the sensitivity surrounding the proceedings.

Prosecutors have described the case as one that directly affects communal harmony and national security, alleging that Das and his followers were responsible for instigating the violence that led to the lawyer’s death. The defence, however, has denied the accusations and is expected to contest the charges during trial.

The case has also had diplomatic repercussions. Das’s arrest had earlier drawn concern from India, which expressed unease over the detention of a Hindu religious figure amid reports of rising attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. In 2024, the Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote had organised multiple rallies following the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, alleging discrimination and violence against Hindu communities.

Hindus constitute approximately eight per cent of Bangladesh’s population of around 170 million, according to recent estimates. Rights groups have repeatedly flagged concerns over minority safety in the country, particularly during periods of political instability.

As the trial process moves forward, the Chinmoy Das case is expected to remain under close domestic and international scrutiny, with implications for Bangladesh’s internal security, communal relations, and regional diplomacy.