The Chattogram Divisional Speedy Trial Tribunal on Wednesday rejected a series of petitions, including a bail application and a sixth request for a time extension, filed on behalf of Chandan Kumar Dhar, also known as Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, in the Saiful Islam Alif murder case.
The court also declared the testimony of the first witness (PW-1) – the victim’s father – concluded and ordered the issuance of summons for the next witness, with the following hearing scheduled for 24 June.
Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is currently in custody, participated in the proceedings virtually. During the hearing, he sought the court’s permission to meet his mother and two monks from his ashram. Other accused individuals in the case were produced in court physically.
The legal setback for the accused occurred after his lawyer, Apurba Kumar Bhattacharya, submitted a written application titled “Petition for time to cross-examine the present witness,” citing his inability to attend due to physical illness.
However, no legal representative was physically present in the courtroom to move the motion.
Prosecutor SU Nurul Islam argued that submitting a signed application for an adjournment based on illness without a physical presence is inconsistent with established court practices. Consequently, the tribunal rejected the adjournment request without formal hearing.
Three additional petitions seeking bail, medical treatment, and further time were also rejected due to the absence of the defence counsel.
Assistant Public Prosecutor Md Raihanul Wazed Chowdhury stated that the defence has consistently sought adjournment instead of completing the cross-examination since the victim’s father first testified on 2 February.
He noted that the 80-year-old witness, who travels from Lohagara for every hearing despite age-related ailments, has grown frustrated by the repeated delays.
“The court rightly declared the testimony of PW-1 concluded,” Chowdhury remarked, adding that the prosecution expects a swift resolution to the case, which has garnered significant national and international attention.
