Chinmoy denied parole despite mother’s failing health, officials confirm
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
The family of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari has applied for his parole to see his critically ill elderly mother. However, the District Magistrate's office has informed them that there is no provision for parole on grounds of a relative's illness.
Chinmoy's elder brother, Ranjan Kumar Dhar, today (Wednesday), submitted the application to the District Magistrate of Chattogram, Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah, who, by virtue of his office, also serves as the president of the jail management committee.
Syed Mahbubul Haque, Additional District Magistrate of Chattogram, told Agamir Somoy, "There is a provision for parole in the event of a relative's death. There is no opportunity to receive parole to visit someone who is ill. The family has been verbally informed of this matter."
According to the parole policy formulated by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2016, a prisoner can be granted temporary release to participate in religious rites or pay final respects in the event of the death of a close relative (father, mother, wife, or child). However, the duration of such release shall not exceed 12 hours.
Ranjan Kumar Dhar told Agamir Somoy that Chinmoy is the youngest among three brothers and one sister. Their mother, Sandhya Rani Dhar, is 71 years old. She is suffering from comorbidity ailments, including heart disease, lung infections, and low blood pressure. She has been undergoing treatment at the Agrabad Mother and Child Hospital in Chattogram for nearly a month.
"The doctors have said that my mother's condition is critical. She has been in the ICU since last Saturday. When she was able to speak a little, my mother expressed her desire to see him (Chinmoy) once. That is why I applied to the District Magistrate for his parole release so he can see his mother for the last time," he said.
Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari's family name is Chandon Kumar Dhar. Their home is in Satkania Upazila. Chinmoy is a former organizer of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and also serves as a spokesperson for an organization called the United Sanatani Jagaran Jot.
Chinmoy was arrested on November 25, 2024, in a sedition case filed over allegations of insulting the national flag. The following day, he was produced before a court in Chattogram, which ordered him to be sent to jail. At that time, clashes broke out between his followers and law enforcement agencies. During these incidents, lawyer Saiful Islam Alif was beaten and hacked to death on the court-adjacent Patharghata Bandel Road.
In connection with this killing, Alif's father, Jamal Uddin, filed a murder case naming 31 individuals. Later, upon the investigating officer's application, the court also ordered Chinmoy Das to be shown as arrested in that case.
A total of six cases have been filed against Chinmoy, including sedition and the murder of lawyer Alif. Among them, the lawyer murder case is currently being tried in Chattogram's Speedy Trial Tribunal. He has been granted bail from the High Court in five of the cases.
