The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has denied any connection to Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, who was recently arrested on sedition charges.
Addressing media persons on Thursday, Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari, general secretary of ISKCON Bangladesh, clarified that Chinmoy was removed from all positions within ISKCON long ago due to violations of organizational discipline.
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"ISKCON bears no responsibility for the actions or statements of Chinmoy Krishna Das," Charu Chandra Das said during the press conference. He emphasized that recent allegations attempting to link ISKCON to the death of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif in Chittagong and subsequent protests are unfounded.
"Certain groups are spreading misinformation and making baseless demands to ban ISKCON. These claims, including absurd ones attributing road accidents to us, are part of a deliberate smear campaign," he added.
Charu Chandra Das also disclosed that Chinmoy Krishna Das, along with Leelaraj Gour Das of Prabartak Sri Krishna Mandir and Gaurang Das, were removed from ISKCON months ago due to disciplinary violations.
Background on Chinmoy Krishna Das's arrest
Chinmoy Krishna Das, a spokesperson for the Sanatan Jagaran Mancha and former head of Sri Sri Pundarik Dham in Chittagong, was detained by the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police on Monday at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
He faces sedition charges stemming from an incident on October 25, where he and 18 others allegedly hoisted a saffron flag above the Bangladesh national flag during a rally organized under the Sanatan Jagaran Mancha banner in Chittagong.
The case, filed by Md Feroze Khan at Chittagong's Kotwali Police Station, accuses the group of "desecrating" the national flag and engaging in treasonous activities aimed at destabilizing the nation.
A photograph of the incident went viral on social media, drawing widespread criticism and prompting the removal of the flags.
However, Charu Chandra Das reiterated that ISKCON has repeatedly clarified its position through press conferences and official communications with government authorities. "We want to make it clear that the actions of Chinmoy Krishna Das and others do not represent ISKCON," he said.
Agencies
Published: 28 Nov 2024, 03:50 pm IST
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