APP Saiful hacked to death by followers of Ex-ISKCON leader
In a shocking outbreak of violence, Assistant Public Prosecutor (APP) Saiful Islam was brutally hacked to death during clashes between law enforcement and followers of former ISKCON leader Chandan Kumar Dhar, also known as Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari.
The 35-year-old prosecutor, hailing from Chunati in Lohagara, succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday afternoon.
According to the Chattogram Lawyers' Association President Nazim Uddin Chowdhury, Saiful was abducted from the court premises and attacked with sharp weapons by protesters.
Despite being rushed to Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH), he was pronounced dead at 4:30 PM.
The violence erupted after Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a prominent Hindu community leader and spokesperson for Sammilita Sanatani Jagaran Jote, was denied bail in a sedition case.
Around 12:30 PM, his followers obstructed a prison van attempting to transport him to jail, leading to a standoff.
Efforts by the police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and the army to disperse the protesters were initially unsuccessful, forcing law enforcement to deploy tear gas, sound grenades, and baton charges by 2:45 PM.
The confrontation escalated into widespread clashes involving lawyers, law enforcement, and Chinmoy’s followers.
Besides Saiful’s death, at least eight others sustained serious injuries and were admitted to CMCH, including Shribas Das, Sharku Das, Choton, Sujit Ghosh, Utpal, and Enamul Haque.
One critically injured person remains unidentified. Another 19 were treated for minor injuries at General Hospital.
Eyewitness lawyer Md. Hasan described the attack: "Amidst the chaos, the protesters assaulted Saiful Islam with sharp weapons. He succumbed shortly after being taken to the hospital."
Deputy Commissioner of Chattogram Metropolitan Police Liakat Ali confirmed the fatality, stating, "One person has died, but we are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident."
Tension continues to grip the area as authorities investigate the violent clashes and work to restore order.
Earlier in the day, Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari was remanded to jail by the Sixth Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court, presided over by Kazi Shariful Islam, after his bail plea in a sedition case was rejected.
Considering his social and religious standing, the court granted him division facilities in jail, including meals aligned with his faith.
Chinmoy was apprehended on Monday evening near Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka over allegations of disrespecting Bangladesh’s national flag during a Hindu community rally on October 25. The case against him was filed on October 31.
His arrest has sparked sharp reactions from India. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs voiced "deep concern" over his detention and the denial of bail, urging Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and other minorities.
In a statement, New Delhi highlighted recent incidents of violence targeting minorities in Bangladesh, including arson, looting, and vandalism of temples.
In West Bengal, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demanded Chinmoy’s unconditional release.
Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari announced protests outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata and warned of a blockade at the Bangladesh-India border if their demands are not met.
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