Trial Ordered Against Chinmoy Krishna Das and 22 Others in Lawyer Alif Murder Case

Melbourne, January 19: A Chattogram court has ordered the start of trial in the murder case of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif, indicting 23 accused, including Chinmoy Krishna Das, spokesperson of the Sammilita Sanatan Jagaran Jote (United Hindu Awakening Alliance). Earlier, on January 7, the Chattogram Metropolitan Sessions Judge transferred the case to the Speedy Trial Tribunal.

Chinmoy Das’s lawyer Apurba Kumar had filed a petition seeking his discharge from the case. However, Judge Md Zahidul Haque of the Chattogram Speedy Trial Tribunal rejected the application.

The accused were brought to court from prison in a van at 9:45 am on Monday. Of the 39 individuals named in the case, 16 remain absconding.

Background of the Killing

The incident occurred on November 26, 2024, after Chinmoy Das was denied bail in a sedition case. His supporters staged a protest on the court premises, which lasted for nearly two and a half hours. Police eventually dispersed the crowd using stun grenades.

During the ensuing chaos near the Rangam Convention Hall on Court Road, lawyer Saiful Islam Alif was attacked, beaten, and stabbed to death at the scene.

Alif’s father, Jamal Uddin, filed a murder case with Kotwali Police on November 29, 2024, naming 31 individuals and 15–16 unidentified persons as accused. Most of the suspects were residents of Bandel Road Shebok Colony, adjacent to the Rangam Convention Hall.

Following an investigation, Assistant Commissioner Mahfuzur Rahman of Chattogram Metropolitan Police submitted a charge sheet on July 1, 2025, naming 38 accused, with Chinmoy Das listed as the prime suspect. On August 25, the court accepted the charge sheet, bringing the total number of accused to 39.

Tight Security Around Court

Security was significantly strengthened around the court area from Sunday morning. Police were seen on high alert in Terri Bazar, Laldighi Par, Jail Road, Kotwali Mor, Zahur Hawker Market, Hazari Goli, KC De Road, and nearby neighbourhoods.

At around 8:30 am, law enforcement personnel took positions behind barricades at the main entrance of the court building. Lawyers, court staff, journalists, and others were allowed entry only after showing identification cards. Shortly afterwards, an army patrol team arrived and stationed itself in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office.

Police had earlier announced “special security measures” in view of the charge-framing hearing.

Local Reactions

Speaking to OTN Bangla on condition of anonymity, a local resident said, “I have never seen such tight security with the army, BGB, RAB, and police deployed together around the court. People are somewhat fearful.”

The family and colleagues of the slain lawyer hope that the transfer of the case to the Speedy Trial Tribunal will ensure swift justice. In the current climate, the legal proceedings against Chinmoy Krishna Das have become more than a routine criminal case, evolving into a national debate over judicial neutrality, constitutional rights, and the influence of political pressure.