ISKCON involved in attack on joint forces in Ctg incident: police

Chattogram Metropolitan Police has revealed that the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) was involved in the attack on law enforcement and acid throwing in the Hazari Gali area of ​​Chattogram triggered by a Facebook post.

The incident led to vandalism, tension and the attack on security forces.

Police said those involved in the attack shouted “Jai Shree Ram”.

At a press conference held at the city’s Dampara Police Lines today, Chattogram Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner (Crime and Operations) Md Roish Uddin detailed the incident.

Earlier that day, a joint forces press conference had detailed the events of the attack.

According to police, nine policemen were injured in the attack, including Kotwali Zone Deputy Commissioner Mahfuzur Rahman and police members – Saiful Islam, Bipul Bapari, Abu Sayem Sejan, Sayeed Hasan, Foyez, Naim, Ashikur and Shahjahan Hossain Shaon.

Foyez was injured by acid and is currently undergoing treatment at Chattogram Medical College Hospital.

Roish Uddin said: “The attackers chanted ‘Jai Shree Ram.’ Our investigation shows that ISKCON supporters were behind the incident, which was sparked by a Facebook post. The crowd trapped Osman Ali and when the police arrived they tried to free him. The situation escalated. , throwing rocks and acid at officers, injuring nine, one of whom was burned by acid.

A total of 82 people have been arrested in connection with the attack.

The deputy police commissioner said the majority of those arrested are believed to be ISKCON supporters, although some Muslims may also be involved, and investigations are ongoing.

Regarding Osman Ali, the person who posted about ISKCON on Facebook, the deputy commissioner added: “Osman Ali is currently in custody. If any religious insult is leveled against him, we will take legal action.”

Meanwhile, a case has been filed with CMP’s Kotwali police station, naming 82 persons and charging between 500 and 600 people in connection with the attack on law enforcement.

The case was filed by Sub-Inspector Mizanur Rahman of Kotwali police station, CMP deputy deputy commissioner (media) Kazi Md Tarek Aziz told TBS.

Police said the incident in Hazari Gali began around 5:30 pm on November 5, when tension erupted after a Facebook post critical of ISKCON was shared. A group of people, reportedly Hindus, attacked shops in the area.

After receiving the information, police, military and border guards arrived on the scene, where they rescued Osman Ali and his brother.

ISKCON denies involvement

ISKCON has denied any involvement in the violence and issued a statement signed by ISKCON Bangladesh Secretary General Sri Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari.

The statement said that following the recent violent events in Chattogram, attempts have been made to falsely link ISKCON Bangladesh with the incidents, thereby damaging our religious and social reputation.

“We strongly condemn this false information and wish to make it clear that ISKCON Bangladesh is a peaceful, non-political religious group committed to promoting harmony, religious tolerance and human well-being both in Bangladesh and worldwide.”

“We also condemn the recent attack and vandalism in Hazari Gali and clearly state that ISKCON has no connection with these events, despite what is reported on social media and in the news,” the statement said.