Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu monk and spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote, has been denied bail in a high-profile sedition case by a Bangladesh court. The monk's lawyers plan to appeal to the High Court, highlighting allegations of a false and fabricated case and arguing that Das, suffering from health issues, is being unjustly detained. Previous hearings were hindered by procedural lapses and concerns over security for one of Das' lawyers.
ISKCON and the Case of Chinmoy Krishna Das: A Religious and Legal Dilemma
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has come under scrutiny in Bangladesh due to the recent arrest and denial of bail for one of its prominent members, Chinmoy Krishna Das. The case has raised questions about the relationship between religion, politics, and the rule of law in the country.
Background:
ISKCON is a global religious movement founded in 1966 by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. It is based on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and other Hindu scriptures. ISKCON has established temples and centers in over 100 countries, including Bangladesh.
Chinmoy Krishna Das is a Hindu monk and spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote, a Hindu nationalist organization. He has been charged with sedition, a crime that involves inciting hatred or disaffection against the government.
Current Events:
On January 23, 2023, a Bangladesh court denied bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das. The prosecution alleges that he made inflammatory speeches and spread false propaganda against the government during a religious gathering in December 2022.
Das's lawyers have alleged that the case against him is politically motivated and that the evidence presented by the prosecution is fabricated. They have also raised concerns about Das's health, as he suffers from respiratory problems and diabetes.
FAQs:
Conclusion:
The case of Chinmoy Krishna Das has highlighted the complex relationship between religion, politics, and the rule of law in Bangladesh. It also raises concerns about the treatment of religious minorities and the freedom of expression in the country. The High Court's decision on Das's appeal will be closely watched by both domestic and international observers.
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American billionaire Laurene Powell Jobs, wife of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, recently visited the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi and was given the Hindu name 'Kamala' by Swami Kailashanand Giri. Due to restrictions on non-Hindus, Ms. Jobs was not allowed to touch the Shivling in the sanctum sanctorum, but she was able to participate in other spiritual activities and rituals. She is currently staying at the Niranjini Akhara camp in Prayagraj and is expected to take part in the Maha Kumbh 2025 in India.
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Laurene Powell Jobs, the wife of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, has garnered attention as she prepares to participate in the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj. Touted as the largest gathering of humanity on the planet, the event will see Laurene taking on a new identity, Kamala, after being given the Gotra of her guru Swami Kailashananda. Her deep interest in Sanatan Dharma and her fatherly relationship with the seer have earned her a warm welcome, as she joins the ranks of VIPs and seers expected to participate in the festival. Among the many preparations for the event, UP Police has introduced advanced security measures, while the state budget for the 45-day-long fair comes at a whopping Rs 7,000 crore.
A group of unidentified individuals threw a stone at the Tapti Ganga Express train carrying passengers to the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj near Jalgaon railway station in Maharashtra. While no injuries were reported, a windowpane of coach B6 was shattered, causing panic among the passengers. The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with passengers demanding strict action against the perpetrators. The Railway Police has registered a case and is currently investigating the matter.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, a millennia-old religious festival, has commenced in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, with an estimated 40 crore people expected to attend. Government estimates predict that the event may generate up to Rs 2 lakh crore in economic growth for the state, which has allocated a budget of Rs 7,000 crore for the 45-day festival. With an average expenditure of Rs 5,000 per person, the economic impact could potentially reach Rs 4 lakh crore and boost both nominal and real GDP by over 1%. The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh has lauded the previous version of the festival in 2019, stating it contributed Rs 1.2 lakh crore to the state's economy.
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