Dhirendra Shastri calls for vigilance over fresh lynching in B’desh, slams Baghel’s allegations
On December 26, Dhirendra Krishna Shastri – known as Bageshwar Baba, the chief of Bageshwar Dham in Madhya Pradesh – took to the stage at Jayanti Stadium in Bhilai to speak about the rising danger faced by Hindus in Bangladesh. His five‑day “Hanumant Katha” program will run until December 29.
Shastri opened by saying the religious discourse at the event was “auspicious,” then shifted to the international controversy. He described the recent attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh as “unfortunate” and warned that the minority community could be on the brink of extinction if nothing is done.
He highlighted two recent incidents that have raised alarm on the Indian side. On December 24, a mob in Rajbari district lynched Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man who had been accused of blasphemy. Earlier that month, 29‑year‑old Amrit Mandal, who also went by the name Samrat, was beaten in the Hosaindanga Old Market in Pangsha Upazila and died shortly after the assault.
“This is the second such incident,” Shastri said, urging Hindus across India to stay alert and stand together. “If we don’t come to their aid now, Hindu unity will mean nothing.”
He called on the Indian government to take decisive action against illegal immigration – especially involving Rohingya refugees – and to create a pathway for persecuted Bangladeshi Hindus to seek refuge in India. “If no significant steps are taken, the identity of Hindus in Bangladesh will be in grave danger – they could face forced conversions or worse,” he warned, framing the situation as a cautionary tale for India.
During the same address, Shastri addressed criticisms from former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, who has previously questioned his opening of a cancer hospital on the grounds of “superstition” and alleged spiritual healings. Shastri clarified that he does not hoard donations; instead, every contribution is directed toward social welfare projects. “Whatever offerings we receive are channelled into social welfare – facilitating marriages for under‑privileged girls, building cancer hospitals, and other charitable initiatives,” he explained. He added, “What can be achieved through divine grace should be done that way, but medical needs require medicine – that’s why we’re establishing hospitals. Church is not a remedy for everything.”
The event in Bhilai attracted large crowds, and the unrest has prompted protests in several Indian cities demanding protection for Hindus. The situation underscores the strained India‑Bangladesh relations over minority safety.
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