6 days Ago
A Bangladeshi girl from Panchagarh district was detained by the Border Security Force (BSF) of India while attempting to cross into India illegally. Following her detention, Indian media falsely claimed that she fled Bangladesh fearing persecution as an ISKCON devotee, sparking criticism and condemnation from her family and local community. Priyanti Roy Promi (commonly referred to as Arpita), a resident of Uttar Jhalasi Para in Panchagarh Sadar, was apprehended on Tuesday while crossing through Fatepur BOP in Uttar Dinajpur.
She was handed over to Chopra police and later sent to Sahid Bandana Smriti Residential Home in Cooch Behar under judicial custody. Indian outlets alleged that Priyanti was fleeing religious persecution in Bangladesh as an ISKCON devotee. Reports suggested that Bangladesh was unsafe for Hindus, citing government oppression and a lack of protection for minorities.
However, these claims were not backed by any statements from Priyanti herself, raising serious concerns about journalistic ethics. Priyanti's father, Joydev Chandra Roy, and her mother, Anuradha Rani, vehemently denied the media reports and clarified that their family practices traditional Sanatan Hinduism and is not affiliated with ISKCON. They also said that they live peacefully alongside Muslims in their community.
Local Hindu leaders and residents also debunked the Indian media's claims, stating that Panchagarh enjoys a harmonious environment where Hindus and Muslims coexist peacefully. Schools, temples, and other community institutions operate normally without any signs of religious tension. Manoranjan Banik, organizing secretary of Panchagarh Central Durga Puja Mandap Committee, said, "The propaganda by Indian media is entirely false.
We, the Hindu community, feel safe and secure in Bangladesh under the current government." Panchagarh Police Superintendent Mohammad Mizanur Rahman Munshi added,"The Indian media's reports are baseless and fabricated. Priyanti's parents are healthy and the family is not ISKCON-affiliated.
She crossed the border illegally due to health reasons.".
