Chinmoy Das Arrested in Connection with Lawyer Alif Murder Case

Chinmoy Krishna Das Shown Arrested in Alif Murder Case; Hearings Pending in Three Other Cases

Chandan Kumar Dhar, widely known as Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari—a former leader of ISKCON and spokesperson for Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagaran Jote—has been shown arrested in the case involving the murder of Chittagong court lawyer Saiful Islam Alif. Currently in custody, Chinmoy’s arrest was approved by Chittagong’s Sixth Metropolitan Magistrate SM Alauddin during a virtual hearing on Monday, according to Bangla Tribune.

On Sunday, investigators had submitted applications to show Chinmoy arrested in four separate cases, including Alif’s murder, obstructing police duties, and attacking lawyers and litigants. Of these, the court has so far granted the application only in the Alif murder case. Hearings for the remaining cases are scheduled to be held virtually on Tuesday.

Chittagong Metropolitan Court Public Prosecutor Md Mofizul Haque Bhuiyan confirmed the court’s decision, while Additional Deputy Commissioner (Prosecution) Mofiz Uddin reiterated that the arrest order was issued following Monday’s hearing.

The case traces back to a Sanatani community gathering held on October 25, 2024, in Chittagong, led by Chinmoy. Subsequently, on October 31, a sedition case was filed against him for allegedly disrespecting the national flag, naming 19 individuals, including Chinmoy.

He was arrested in Dhaka on November 25, 2024, and denied bail the next day by the Chittagong Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court, sparking violent clashes between his followers and law enforcement outside the court. During the confrontation, lawyer Saiful Islam Alif was fatally attacked. Since then, Chinmoy has remained in custody.

Although his bail plea was again rejected on January 2, 2025, by the Metropolitan Sessions Judge's Court of Chittagong, he later filed a petition with the High Court. On February 4, the High Court issued a two-week rule asking why he should not be granted bail in the sedition case and subsequently ruled in his favor.

Following Alif’s murder, his father Jamal Uddin filed a case with Kotwali police, naming 31 individuals. In total, six cases have been filed related to the incident, including charges of bomb attacks, obstruction, and assault. So far, 51 people have been arrested in connection, with 21 accused specifically of involvement in the murder.