Kolkata Hospital Refuses Treatment to Bangladeshi Patients Amid Rising Tensions Over Flag Incident and Attacks on Hindu Temples

In a significant move, Kolkata’s JN Ray Hospital has announced an indefinite halt on treating Bangladeshi patients following the arrest of priest Chinmoy Das and violent attacks on Hindu temples in Bangladesh. The decision was prompted by recent reports that Bangladeshi nationals allegedly insulted the Indian national flag.

On Friday, JN Ray Hospital, located in the Manicktala area of Kolkata, issued a statement condemning these incidents as “insults towards India” and affirmed that it would no longer admit patients from Bangladesh as part of its protest. Subhranshu Bhakt, an official of the hospital, urged other hospitals in India to follow suit, saying, “From today, we will not admit any Bangladeshi patient. This is a protest against the atrocities on minorities in Bangladesh and the disrespect shown to our tricolour.”

Hindu Temples Attacked in Bangladesh’s Chattogram

The decision comes in the wake of disturbing reports from Bangladesh, where violent mobs attacked several Hindu temples in Chattogram. Three prominent temples—Shantaneshwari Matri Temple, Shoni Temple, and Shantaneshwari Kalibari Temple—were vandalized by the mob. The incident occurred after Juma prayers on Friday, with the attackers shouting anti-Hindu and anti-ISKCON slogans as they threw bricks at the temples.

Tapan Das, a permanent member of the Shantaneshwari Main Temple management committee, recounted the chaos: “A procession of hundreds arrived after Juma prayers, shouting anti-Hindu and anti-ISKCON slogans. We called the Army when the situation worsened, and order was eventually restored.”

According to Kotwali Police Station chief Abdul Karim, while tensions were high, the damage caused by the mob was minimal.

The Root Cause of Outrage

The violence was sparked by the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former member of ISKCON, on sedition charges. The spiritual leader was apprehended on Monday and denied bail on Tuesday. A sedition case was filed against Das and others after they were accused of insulting Bangladesh’s national flag during a rally in Chattogram’s New Market area. The incident reportedly ignited widespread anger, leading to the violent protests against Hindu places of worship.

This escalation has put a strain on Indo-Bangladeshi relations and prompted reactions from both sides. JN Ray Hospital’s move to refuse treatment to Bangladeshi patients highlights the growing frustration and the desire to express solidarity with Hindus affected by the violence in Bangladesh. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how it will impact the wider region.