Who Is Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, The ISKCON Monk Arrested In Bangladesh?

ISKCON monk Chinmoy was reportedly held in Bangladesh for alleged sedition, during his rallies in Chattaogram and Rangpur. He was arrested from the Dhaka International Airport by the Detective Branch of Dhaka Police. The arrest has invited strong criticism from India and religious leaders in the country.

Why Was Chinmoy Krishna Das Arrested?

Chinmoy Krishna Das was apprehended following a purported defamation case filed against him in Kotwali Police Station, Chattogram. The case reportedly named 18 individuals including Das.

When Das was escorted from the prison to court, more than 2,000 protesters reportedly surrounded the van, blocking it for over two hours, Reuters reported.

“A Muslim lawyer defending Das was killed amid protests outside the court (in Chittagong),” said police officer Liaquat Ali, Reuters reported.

What Did ISKCON Say?

ISKCON condemned the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das and labelled it 'outrageous'. “We have come across disturbing reports that Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das, one of the prominent leaders of ISKCON Bangladesh, has been detained by the Dhaka police. It is outrageous to make baseless allegations that ISKCON has anything to do with terrorism anywhere in the world. ISKCON, Inc. urges the Government of India to take immediate steps and speak to the Government of Bangladesh and convey that we are a peace-loving Bhakti movement. We want the Government of Bangladesh to release Chinmoy Krishna Das immediately. Our prayers to Lord Krishna for the protection of these devotees,” the post read

Who is Chinmoy Krishna Das?

Das was born in May 1985 and became an ISKCON brahmachari at the age of 12. He is a 39-year-old Hindu monk and the former head of the International Society For Krishna Consciousness or ISKCON.

Chinmoy Krishna Das was also the spokesperson of the country’s Sanatan Jagaran Manch, as well as the head of Pundarik Dham in Chittagong. Pundarik Dham is one of the two holiest pilgrimage places for Hindus in Bangladesh. With his popularity, Chinmoy Krishna Das is known to rally lakhs of people in a single call.