A protest outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi over the lynching of Bangladeshi Hindu man Dipu Chandra Das turned violent on Tuesday, with demonstrators toppling police barricades and clashing with security personnel.
The agitation was led by members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), along with other Hindu groups including the Bajrang Dal. Protesters raised slogans against the Bangladesh government and carried placards demanding justice for Das, who was lynched last week in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district.
Anticipating the protest, Delhi Police had imposed tight security around the diplomatic mission, deploying nearly 15,000 police and paramilitary personnel and erecting three layers of barricades. Despite the heavy security presence, hundreds of protesters managed to push through barricades, forcing police to use DTC buses to block further movement.
A senior police officer said security forces managed to contain the demonstrators around 800 metres from the High Commission, preventing them from reaching the main premises.
One protester said the demonstration was meant to urge both the Indian and Bangladeshi governments to take strict action against those responsible for the killing. “A Hindu man was brutally assaulted and killed. Those behind the crime must be punished,” he said.
Dipu Chandra Das, a garment factory worker, was allegedly accused of blasphemy, forced to resign by his supervisors, and then handed over to a mob. He was beaten to death, his body hung on the Dhaka–Mymensingh highway, and later set on fire. Bangladeshi authorities have so far arrested at least 12 people in connection with the murder.
Bangladesh Condemns Protest, Summons Indian Envoy
Reacting strongly, the Government of Bangladesh condemned the protest and summoned Pranay Verma, India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, to lodge a formal protest.
In a statement, Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry said it “condemns acts of premeditated violence or intimidation against diplomatic establishments,” warning that such incidents endanger diplomatic personnel and undermine principles of mutual respect, peace and tolerance. Dhaka urged India to ensure the safety and security of Bangladeshi diplomatic missions.
Similar protests were also reported in Kolkata, following which security was heightened at the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. Armed police personnel have been deployed around the mission, and the Bangladesh Army has stationed armoured vehicles near its main gates.
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