Clash over Chinmoy's bail: 63 lawyers granted bail amid protests

A Chattogram court today (13 January) granted bail to 63 lawyers implicated in a case involving alleged vandalism and clashes during the bail hearing of former Iskcon leader Chinmoy Krishna Das.

The order, passed by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Hasan Shahriar, has sparked discontent among the complainant's lawyers.

The lawyers were charged following a 26 November 2024 incident when supporters of Chinmoy clashed with police, leading to the death of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif. 

The lawyer's father filed a murder case against 31 individuals, while Alif's elder brother, Khane Alam, filed a separate case accusing over 70 lawyers of vandalism and incitement. 

During today's proceedings, 66 accused lawyers surrendered before the court and sought bail.

Public Prosecutor Advocate Mofizul Haque Bhuiyan confirmed the matter and said the bail was granted against a bond of Tk1,000 each, valid until the filing of the charge sheet.

Senior defense lawyer Subhrojit Chowdhury argued that the accused lawyers were not present at the scene and that the evidence provided by the complainant was insufficient.

Following the bail order, a section of lawyers protested outside the court, alleging injustice.

Advocate Muhammad Shamsul Alam, a member of the complainant's legal team, criticised the ruling, claiming that the accused were instigators of the incident that led to Alif's death.

"This kind of order in a serious case is unprecedented. The accused should have sought bail from the High Court, not here. We demand swift action, arrests, and the highest punishment for Alif's killers," said Shamsul Alam.

The conflict originated on 26 November 2024 when Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari's bail petition in a sedition case was denied, leading to protests by his followers. The demonstrations escalated into violence, resulting in Alif's death. 

Two cases were subsequently filed, including charges of vandalism and use of explosives against over 500 individuals.