54 ISKCON devotees barred from entering India at Benapole border

54 ISKCON devotees from various districts across Bangladesh were denied entry into India at the Benapole-Petrapole border checkpoint. The group reached the border early in the morning and waited throughout the day for clearance. By late afternoon, immigration officials informed them that they would not be allowed to proceed and ordered them to return to Bangladesh.

Benapole Immigration Officer-in-Charge Imtiaz Ahmed stated that the decision to deny entry was based on the devotees' “suspicious behavior” observed at the checkpoint. However, the officials did not provide further details about the nature of the behavior. The devotees claimed they intended to visit India for religious purposes, specifically to participate in rituals associated with ISKCON. Despite their appeals, no official reason for the denial was communicated.

The incident occurred amid ongoing tensions between India and Bangladesh following the arrest of Chinmoykrishna Das on charges of treason by Bangladesh's interim government. The arrest has triggered protests in both countries, with multiple Hindu organizations, including ISKCON, calling for Das’s release. Security at border crossings, including Benapole, has been tightened in response to the growing unrest.

The denial of entry for the devotees has added scrutiny to border management protocols. Immigration authorities at key checkpoints have reportedly increased vigilance, particularly for large groups traveling for religious or political gatherings. Officials continue to monitor the situation closely as protests and cross-border tensions persist.