ISKCON denies distancing itself from Chinmoy Krishna Das, says the organisation stands with monk arrested in Bangladesh

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has clarified that the organisation has not distanced itself from Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu monk who was recently arrested in Bangladesh.

ISKCON's latest statement

"ISKCON has not, and does not, distance itself from supporting Chinmoy Krishna Das's rights and freedom for peacefully calling for protecting Hindus and their places of worship," ISKCON said in a statement.

ISKCON International also posted a similar message of solidarity with Chinmoy Krishna Das on social media.

"ISKCON, Inc. stands with Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das. Our prayers to Lord Krishna for the protection of all these devotees," it said.

What caused the controversy?

Earlier, a massive row had erupted over the arrest of the Hindu monk after ISKCON Bangladesh distanced itself from Chinmoy Krishna Das on Thursday.

CREDIT: IANS

Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari, the General Secretary of ISKCON Bangladesh, had told local media that Chinmoy Krishna Das had been removed from all positions of the organisation due to a breach of discipline and his "actions are not representative" of the religious body.

Removed from all positions in December 2023?

On Thursday, a 2023 letter from the International Child Protection Office of ISKCON had also emerged on social media, in which it was stated that the office was imposing interim restrictions on Chinmoy Krishna Das, due to which he cannot hold any management or leadership position, give classes, lead kirtan, hold public worship, or stay overnight at any ISKCON property other than one designated by the CPT Director of Bangladesh and ISKCON Core.

CREDIT: IANS

Most significantly, the office had also banned Chinmoy Krishna Das from contacting any persons under the age of 18 years.

Arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das

Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested on 25 November on charges of sedition for allegedly raising a flag on a stand displaying Bangladesh's national flag.

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