Published : 28 Aug 2026, 05:20 PM
Updated : 08 Sep 2026, 09:36 AM
Police in New York have arrested a Bangladeshi man over an alleged assault on a DJ following a dispute over payment at a pre-wedding event in Queens.
The complainant, Anup Kumar Esh, has also alleged that he was subjected to religious abuse during the incident and believes he was targeted because he is Hindu and has been outspoken in support of his community.
Jami Chowdhury was arrested on Wednesday and later produced before a court, according to the Queens District Attorney’s Office. A judge released him on bail and ordered him to appear at Queens Criminal Court on Sept 15.
The allegations stem from a Gaye Holud ceremony for Jami’s son at a party hall in Jamaica, Queens, on Aug 16.
According to case information cited by private investigator Shakti Gupta, Anup had been hired to provide DJ equipment and services for the event for $1,500.
Anup alleges that after the event, the organisers offered him $400 instead. An argument broke out when he demanded the agreed payment, after which Jami and several others allegedly assaulted him.
He also accused those involved of directing religiously offensive remarks at him during the confrontation.
Anup said that while the dispute initially centred on payment, more people later became involved. He alleged that 10 to 12 people, including Jami, took part in the assault.
He further alleged that he was threatened and intimidated and that threats were made against his life as he tried to call 911.
Shakti said police and paramedics arrived after the emergency call. Anup received medical attention before being taken to hospital with injuries.
The incident has since drawn attention within New York’s Bangladeshi community, with efforts reportedly made to resolve the dispute outside court.
Anup, however, said he was unwilling to settle.
“I was assaulted unjustly, and am I not even going to get justice for that?” he said. “I do not believe in settlements; I want justice. This is my means of earning a living.”
Attempts to reach Jami for comment on the allegations were unsuccessful.
