Chinmoy shown arrested in Saiful murder case

Ex-ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari was shown arrested yesterday in a case filed over the murder of Saiful Islam Alif, a lawyer who was hacked to death outside the Chattogram Court Building on November 26 last year.

Chattogram Metropolitan Magistrate SM Alauddin issued the order following an application from the investigation officer, said Additional Deputy Commissioner (Prosecution) Mafiz Uddin.

The virtual hearing took place around 9:30am due to security concerns.

Assistant Public Prosecutor Advocate Raihanul Wazed Chowdhury said the petition was filed after Chinmoy's involvement in the murder was uncovered during the investigation.

The development came after the High Court granted bail to Chinmoy last Wednesday in a sedition case over the alleged desecration of the national flag during a rally in the port city's New Market area.

However, a chamber judge of the Appellate Division stayed the bail following a state petition, which was later withdrawn on a suo moto (voluntary) basis. The SC chamber judge may hear the state's petition today. Chinmoy remains in jail in connection with the sedition case.

Saiful was killed on November 26 during a clash between police, lawyers, and Chinmoy's followers near the Chattogram Court Building, after the court sent Chinmoy, who was arrested a day earlier near Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, to jail, rejecting his bail plea in the sedition case filed on October 31.

According to police, Chinmoy's supporters blocked the prison van carrying him, prompting police to charge with batons, which triggered the clash. During the violence, Advocate Alif was beaten and hacked to death.

The sedition case was filed by Firoz Khan, former general secretary of Chattogram's Mohora ward BNP, accusing Chinmoy and 18 others.

In connection with the killing, police filed three separate cases for attacking police, vandalism, and obstructing law enforcement, naming 79 individuals and accusing about 1,400 unidentified others.

Alif's father later filed a murder case against 31 individuals, while his brother, Khan-e-Alam, filed another case with Kotwali Police Station, naming 115 accused, including 70 lawyers, over vandalism. Another person, Mohammad Ullah Chowdhury, filed a case accusing 69 individuals of attacking him during the clashes.

So far, police have arrested 40 individuals in connection with the cases. Of them, 11 people -- mostly cleaners -- were held for their alleged involvement in Alif's murder, based on CCTV footage analysis.

   On January 12, Bhattacharjee submitted Chinmoy's bail petition to the HC. On February 4, the HC bench issued a rule asking the state to explain within two weeks why Chinmoy should not be granted bail.