Members and supporters of Hindu nationalist groups staged a large protest outside the Bangladesh High Commission in India’s capital, New Delhi, on Tuesday, with some demonstrators attempting to breach security barriers, officials and media reports said.
The protest was organised in response to the killing of a Hindu youth, Dipu Chandra Das, in the Mymensingh district of Bangladesh. The demonstration was led by members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal.
Delhi police said security around the High Commission was reinforced in advance amid concerns over possible unrest. Despite the heightened security presence, some protesters were seen breaking through barricades and moving towards the diplomatic compound.
Reports said demonstrators crossed at least two layers of barricades while chanting slogans and holding banners and placards critical of Bangladesh.
Police and paramilitary personnel were deployed in large numbers, with a three-tier security arrangement put in place around the mission. Authorities said the situation was brought under control and no major damage was reported.
Meanwhile, in Bangladesh, a court in Mymensingh has granted three days of remand for each of the 12 suspects arrested in connection with the killing of Dipu Chandra Das in Bhaluka.
The suspects were arrested following allegations that Das was beaten to death over accusations of blasphemy, after which his body was set on fire. Investigators had sought five days of remand for each of the accused.
On Monday, Senior Chief Judicial Magistrate Shahadat Hossain of the Mymensingh No. 8 court approved three days of remand for each suspect.
Those remanded include Ashikur Rahman, Kaiyum, Limon Sarker, Tarek Hossain, Manik Mia, Ershad Ali, Nijum Uddin, Alamgir Hossain, Miraj Hossain Akon, Azmal Hasan Sagir, Shahin Mia and Nazmul.
Authorities in both countries say investigations are continuing, while security remains heightened around Bangladeshi diplomatic missions in India.
