Chattogram: The trial of 39 individuals accused in the murder case of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif commenced at the Chattogram Divisional Speedy Trial Tribunal. On Monday, the court indicted the accused, including notable figures such as Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a former leader of Iskcon, and a spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Judge Zahidul Haque of the Speedy Trial Tribunal framed charges against the accused after considering the law-point arguments presented by both parties. SUM Nurul Islam, the government prosecutor, confirmed that the charges were formally read in the presence of all the detained individuals, including Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari.
Chinmoy faces charges under sections 302 and 109, while 22 others are charged under various sections. Out of the 39 indicted, 23 are in custody, and 16 remain at large. Security measures were intensified at the court premises during the hearing. A security checkpoint was set up at the main entrance, and Chinmoy, along with his 23 co-accused, was brought to court under tight security around 9:45 am.
Advocate Abdus Sattar, President of the Chattogram District Bar Association, noted that Dhaka lawyer Apurba Bhattacharya represented Chinmoy in court. Both the prosecution and defense presented their arguments, leading the court to order the framing of charges.
During the proceedings, Apurba Kumar Bhattacharya, representing Chinmoy, asserted his client's innocence and requested his release from the case. The state party objected, and after hearing both sides, the court proceeded to frame charges against the 39 individuals. The judge read the charges to those present in court.
Meanwhile, Jamal Uddin, father of the deceased lawyer Saiful Islam Alif, expressed satisfaction with the court's decision to begin the trial. He hoped for a swift conclusion to the proceedings. The investigation officer had submitted the charge sheet on July 1, 2025, naming 38 people, including Chinmoy Das. The court accepted the charge sheet against 39 individuals, including Sukanta Dutta, on August 25 of the same year. Last month, the case was transferred from the magistrate's court to the speedy trial tribunal, signaling readiness for trial.