Hadi Killing Suspect Confesses in Custody, Denies Involvement to Media
The prime suspect in the killing of activist Osman Hadi has denied any involvement after being sent to jail by a court in India following the end of police remand.
Faisal Karim Masud and his alleged associate Alamgir Hossain were produced before a court in West Bengal on Sunday after being questioned in custody by the Special Task Force (STF). The court ordered both men to be held in judicial custody for 12 days, with the next hearing scheduled for April 2.
Arrest and Interrogation
The two suspects were arrested on March 8 from the border area of Bongaon, near the Bangladesh-India frontier. Indian authorities initially detained them on charges of illegal entry before placing them on a 14-day remand for interrogation.
Following the completion of questioning, they were presented before a judicial magistrate in North 24 Parganas district. Prior to the court appearance, both underwent routine medical examinations as per legal procedures.
Denial in Court
While being taken to court, Faisal spoke briefly to reporters, rejecting allegations linking him to the killing. He stated that he had no role in the incident and avoided answering further questions about whether he had been falsely implicated.
However, sources within the STF claimed that during interrogation, both suspects admitted involvement in the attack—an assertion that contrasts sharply with Faisal’s public denial.
Background of the Case
Osman Hadi, a leader associated with a civic platform, was shot in Dhaka on December 12 last year. He was later taken to Singapore for advanced medical treatment, where he died on December 18.
Investigators in Bangladesh identified Faisal, a former leader of a banned student organization, as a key figure in the attack. According to officials, the assailants arrived on a motorcycle, and both Faisal and Alamgir were allegedly present at the scene.
Authorities also reported that the suspects fled Bangladesh through the Haluaghat border in Mymensingh shortly after the incident and remained in hiding in India for nearly three months before their arrest.
Extradition Process Underway
Bangladeshi officials have initiated steps to bring the accused back to the country. Law enforcement agencies are working in coordination with Indian authorities to complete the legal process required for their return.
The case has already seen significant progress, with a charge sheet filed against 17 individuals earlier this year. Of them, 12 have been arrested in Bangladesh, while others are still under investigation.
As legal proceedings continue in India, the focus now shifts to the extradition process and the next phase of the trial in Bangladesh.
