The tragic mob lynching of a Hindu youth, Deepu Chandra Das, in Bangladesh has sparked outrage across India. Demonstrations have been ongoing nationwide for several days. On Tuesday, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal, and other Hindu organizations staged forceful protests from Delhi to Kolkata. In some places, attempts were made to besiege the Bangladeshi High Commission, while effigies of Bangladeshi interim government advisor Mohammed Yunus were set alight. The situation in both cities escalated to the point of clashes between protesters and police.
Source: aajtak
Near the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi, the atmosphere was particularly volatile. Hundreds of protesters, wielding saffron flags and banners, tried to breach barricades and engaged in scuffles with police. Due to the high-security zone, three layers of barricades were installed, and nearly 15,000 police and paramilitary personnel were deployed.
Source: aajtak
To control the crowd, police stopped protesters about 800 meters before the commission. DTC buses were also used as barriers. Protest posters carried harsh slogans against the Bangladeshi government, demanding accountability for every Hindu blood's drop.
Source: aajtak
The Reason Behind the Protests
The fury of the protesters stemmed from an incident on December 18 in the Bhaluka area of Bangladesh's Mymensingh district. A 25-year-old garment factory worker, Deepu Chandra Das, was allegedly beaten by a crowd over accusations of blasphemy, hanged from a tree, and his body later set aflame. Pictures and videos of the incident went viral, fueling outrage in India.
Source: aajtak
Protests in Kolkata, Police Resort to Lathi Charge
Meanwhile, in Kolkata, protesters marching towards the Bangladeshi Deputy High Commission were halted by police at the Bekarbagan area. When protesters attempted to break through the barricade, police resorted to a lathi charge. Several protesters and police personnel were injured in the clashes, and at least 12 people were detained. Police officials claim the situation is under control and security around the diplomatic premises has been increased.
Source: aajtak
According to PTI, this protest march in Kolkata was organized under the banner of 'Hindu Hankar Padyatra', with slogans like 'Hindu Hindu Bhai Bhai' and 'Ensure Safety for Hindus in Bangladesh'. A day earlier, BJP's opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari had also protested on the same issue and warned of a larger demonstration on December 26 if atrocities do not cease. Before this, Yunus's effigy was burned and slogans were raised in Kolkata.
Source: aajtak
Protesters also targeted the Mamata Banerjee government of West Bengal, accusing it of being tough on Hindu organizations while showing leniency towards the atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh. On the other hand, Trinamool Congress questioned why attacks on minorities in Bangladesh are not a new occurrence and argued that this issue should not be politicized.
Source: aajtak
Anger Among Hindus in Bangladesh
Meanwhile, in Bangladesh, the murder of Deepu Chandra Das has spurred peaceful protests and human chains, though fear prevails among locals. Post the incident, diplomatic tensions have risen between the two countries. Visa offices have been closed, and diplomats from both sides are being summoned.
