Chaos in front of Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi, police lathi-charge

Members of Hindu organisations Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal clashed with police while trying to protest in front of Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi, India. Police resorted to lathi-charge to bring the situation under control. The incident occurred today Tuesday (23 December) during protest against hanging and killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a Sanatan Dharma follower in Mymensingh, and burning his body afterwards.

According to report of Indian media The Hindu, additional police were deployed in the high-security area from morning after announcement of protest programme. Three layers of barricades were set up and additional members of paramilitary forces were deployed alongside police. Despite this, Hindutva activists holding saffron flags broke barricades while raising slogans and clashed with police near heavily secured Bangladesh High Commission. Police faced difficulty controlling the situation when protesters broke multiple barricades.

During protest outside High Commission, Hindu activists burnt an effigy. The area was filled with banners and placards containing various protest messages against Bangladesh government. One placard read: 'We want account of every drop of Hindu blood.'

One protester said a Hindu person was brutally beaten and killed. We request our government to take strict action against those behind this murder. At the same time, we want Bangladesh police to take strong steps against culprits. Another said in India we see all communities as brothers and sisters. Similarly, every Hindu living in any other country should be treated with respect.

Earlier on 18 December last, 25-year-old garment factory worker Dipu Chandra Das was beaten to death by hanging from tree on charges of 'religious insult' in Bhaluka of Mymensingh. Later, his body was set on fire. In protest against this, BJP leader Shuvendu Adhikari led protest in front of Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata against attacks on Hindus.

However, law enforcement agencies in Bangladesh said garment factory worker Dipu Chandra Das (27), victim of murder in Bhaluka, was forced to leave job and then handed over to excited mob by factory floor in-charge. Later, on charges of religious insult, he was beaten to death and his body set on fire. RAB and police arrested 10 persons conducting operations in this incident. Among them, RAB arrested seven and police three.

Due to unwanted situation created by VHP and other Hindutva organisations, all kinds of consular services and visa issuance have been suspended from Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi. It has been said these services will remain closed until further announcement.