Dhaka, Nov 28 (V7N) – The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) Bangladesh has denied any involvement in the murder of Chattogram lawyer Saiful Islam Alif, distancing itself from the actions of its former leader Chinmoy Krishna Das.

At a press conference held at Iskcon’s Dhaka headquarters, General Secretary Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari clarified that the organization is not connected to Chinmoy's actions, describing them as entirely personal.

"Iskcon Bangladesh has always been dedicated to fostering unity and harmony. We are not involved in any form of conflict, whether communal or otherwise," Brahmachari stated, accusing certain groups of spreading false and malicious information about the organization.

He also noted that Chinmoy Krishna Das, along with Lilraj Gaur Das and Swatantra Gauranga Das, had been previously expelled from Iskcon for violating organizational discipline.

"Chinmoy is not a spokesperson for Iskcon, and the organization bears no responsibility for his actions or statements," he emphasized.

President of Iskcon Bangladesh, Satya Ranjan Baroi, expressed condolences to the family of the slain lawyer and urged authorities to ensure justice for the crime.

The incident occurred on November 26 when Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari was brought before Chattogram’s 6th Metropolitan Magistrate Kazi Shariful Islam. Following the rejection of his bail plea, his supporters blocked the prison van carrying him to jail for over two hours. Police eventually dispersed the crowd using sound grenades, taking Chinmoy into custody.

During the chaos, lawyer Saiful Islam Alif was critically injured near Rangam Convention Hall opposite the court's main entrance. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The violent episode has sparked calls for a ban on Iskcon, though the organization has categorically rejected any connection to the events.

END/MSS/RH