Calls for release of Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu, a prominent leader of ISKCON Bangladesh, have intensified as Hindu rights advocacy and civil society groups in Bangladesh started protesting in major cities. The temple authorities have urged the Indian government to intervene and convey to the Bangladesh government that ISKCON is a peaceful Bhakti movement and has no links to terrorism. The arrest and detention of Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das have sparked tensions between India and Bangladesh.
The Arrest of Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das and Its Implications
Background
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), also known as the Hare Krishna movement, is a worldwide religious organization that promotes the teachings of Bhakti yoga. In Bangladesh, ISKCON has been active for over four decades, with a significant presence in the capital city of Dhaka. Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu is a prominent leader of ISKCON Bangladesh and the secretary of the Dhaka temple.
The Arrest
On March 14, 2023, Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested by Bangladesh police on charges of money laundering and terror financing. The arrest sparked protests by Hindu rights groups and civil society organizations across Bangladesh. ISKCON authorities have condemned the arrest, calling it a "fabrication of false charges" and a "blatant violation of human rights."
Tensions between India and Bangladesh
The arrest of Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das has strained relations between India and Bangladesh. The Indian government has expressed concern over the detention of its citizen and urged Bangladesh to investigate the matter fairly. Bangladesh authorities have defended the arrest, stating that it was based on credible evidence.
Top 5 FAQs
Q1. Why was Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das arrested? A1. He was arrested on charges of money laundering and terror financing.
Q2. What is the evidence against Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das? A2. Bangladesh authorities have not publicly released any specific evidence against him.
Q3. Has Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das been charged formally? A3. No, he has not been formally charged at this time.
Q4. What is the role of ISKCON in Bangladesh? A4. ISKCON is a religious organization that promotes Bhakti yoga and has a significant presence in Bangladesh.
Q5. What are the implications of Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das's arrest for India-Bangladesh relations? A5. The arrest has strained relations between the two countries, with India expressing concern and Bangladesh defending its actions.
Current Developments
The situation remains tense as Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das continues to be detained. Protests are ongoing in Bangladesh, and ISKCON authorities are seeking the intervention of the international community. The Indian government has stated that it is monitoring the situation and is ready to provide any necessary assistance.
The outcome of Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das's case will have significant implications for religious freedom and inter-state relations in the region.
The Pasighat police in East Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh have arrested the 33-year-old boys' hostel warden of Sanggo English School for sexually assaulting minor students. This came to light when a student was hospitalized for urogenital complications. The incident has sparked outrage from parents and the public, demanding strict action against the accused warden. In response, the Arunachal Pradesh State Human Rights Commission (APSHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance and ordered for a detailed report on the investigation, victim protection, and school management.
Actress Siddiqa Begum, daughter and legal heir of Shah Bano, has served a legal notice on the makers of the upcoming Bollywood film 'Haq'. The notice states that the film's unauthorized depiction of the personal life of Shah Bano without the consent of her legal heirs is a violation of their rights. 'Haq' is based on the landmark 1985 Supreme Court case that granted maintenance to Shah Bano, a Muslim woman, from her divorced husband.
After four years, the 'Darbar Move' tradition in Jammu and Kashmir has been restored, fulfilling the promise of the government and bringing a boost to the economy. National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah expressed happiness, noting that those who sought to separate Jammu and Srinagar have failed. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah received a warm reception and inspected the secretariat premises after the ceremony, as security in the region was heightened for the occasion.
Delhi Legislative Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta praised Swami Dayanand Saraswati as not just a saint and reformer, but also a pivotal figure in India's freedom struggle. Speaking at the International Arya Samaj Conference, Gupta highlighted how Swami Dayanand's teachings sparked a revolution that led to the nation's independence. The event was attended by esteemed guests including Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat and top officials from the Arya Samaj community, all paying tribute to the enduring impact and legacy of Swami Dayanand Saraswati.
The Metro Railway Kolkata has announced a major schedule expansion for its Yellow Line, which runs between Noapara and Jai Hind Bimanbandar (Airport) in Kolkata. Starting from 3 November, weekday operations will increase to 120 services with extended operating hours, providing greater convenience and accessibility to commuters. Weekend travellers will also see a significant frequency upgrade, making travel on Saturdays and Sundays hassle-free. This move is expected to improve the overall public transportation system in the city and benefit the commuters.
Despite some reassurances that online verticals focused on diversity will continue, NBC News has announced a round of layoffs that will impact about 150 employees, or 2% of their workforce. The cuts are said to be a result of cost-cutting measures in preparation for the split of Comcast's cable networks into Versant. This move signifies a shift in priorities for NBC management, prioritizing corporate profits over hard-working members, according to Susan DeCarava, president of The NewsGuild of New York. This change also means that MSNBC will no longer lean on NBC News for newsgathering, with those ties expected to be severed next week.
The Kasibugga Venkateswara Temple in Srikakulam district was the site of a heart-wrenching stampede, causing multiple fatalities and affecting the community deeply. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has expressed his sorrow over the unfortunate incident, as well as directing officials to ensure that those injured receive the best medical treatment possible. As local officials and public representatives are called to oversee relief operations, swift action is required to aid those affected and manage the situation effectively.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Shanti Shikhar Academy for Peaceful World in Raipur, praising the Brahma Kumaris organization for bridging India's ancient wisdom with the world's search for harmony. He credited the group's selfless service and spiritual discipline for their efforts towards universal peace. He positioned the Brahma Kumaris as protectors of India's soul and highlighted India's proactive role in addressing global crises such as disaster relief and environmental threats.
In an act of solidarity and protest, millions of Muslims in India used their Friday prayers to denounce the recent killings that took place in Pahalgam. The news comes amid growing tensions between the Muslim community and the Indian government. Many are viewing this as a sign of unity and determination from the Muslim population in India.
The state of Karnataka, or Kannada Rajyotsava, marked its 69th anniversary with a grand ceremony organized by the district administration in Mangaluru. District in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao paid tribute to the leaders and writers who fought for a unified Kannada state and presented awards to 80 outstanding individuals and organizations. In his address, the minister highlighted the rich cultural and historical heritage of Karnataka and called for a sense of pride among its citizens.