New Delhi has condemned the arrest of and denial of bail to Sanatan Jagaran Mancha spokesperson Chinmoy Krishna Das, also a former leader of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, popularly known as ISKCON.
鈥榃e have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote,鈥� said the External Affairs Ministry in a statement on Tuesday.
The incident followed the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by聽 extremist elements in Bangladesh, it alleged.
鈥楾here are several documented cases of arson and looting of minorities鈥� homes and business establishments, as well as theft and vandalism and desecration of deities and temples,鈥� the statement said.
The Indian ministry urged Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression.
鈥業t is unfortunate that while the perpetrators of these incidents remain at large, charges should be pressed against a religious leader presenting legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings. We also note with concern the attacks on minorities protesting peacefully against the arrest of Shri Das,鈥� it said.
The Bharatiya Janata Party in West Bengal of India, on the other hand, on Monday demanded 鈥榰nconditional release鈥� of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari.
West Bengal state鈥檚 opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari came up with the statement after attending an event with BJP lawmakers.
The BJP leader said that they would hold protests in front of the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata condemning the arrest.
He also threatened to block the Bangladesh-India border with flags if Chinmoy was not released.
Suvendu Adhikari demanded the release of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari in a post on his verified Facebook account.
The Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police arrested Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport area in Bangladesh capital Dhaka on Monday. On Tuesday, he was sent to jail by a court in Chattogram in a sedition case.
