Key Suspects Arrested in Hadi Murder Case

Two Bangladeshi nationals accused of involvement in the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi have been arrested in the Indian state of West Bengal, marking a significant development in the cross-border investigation into the high-profile murder. The suspects—identified as Faisal Karim Masud, the principal accused, and his associate Alamgir Hossain—were detained by the Special Task Force (STF) of West Bengal Police near the Bongaon border in North 24 Parganas district. A local court has since granted investigators a 14-day remand to interrogate the pair.

According to an official statement from the West Bengal Police STF, intelligence sources indicated that two Bangladeshi fugitives linked to a serious murder had illegally entered Indian territory and were attempting to secure temporary shelter near the border before returning to Bangladesh. Acting on this tip-off, STF officers launched a late-night operation in the border region on Saturday, ultimately apprehending the suspects.

Preliminary interrogation revealed that Faisal Karim Masud—also known by the alias Rahul—and Alamgir Hossain allegedly fled Bangladesh after their involvement in the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi. Investigators believe the duo initially crossed into India through the Meghalaya border before moving through various locations across the country. They later travelled to Bongaon in West Bengal with the intention of covertly re-entering Bangladesh.

The arrests were later confirmed in a statement released by the STF and reported by the Indian news agency ANI, which cited an official post from the unit on the social media platform X. The announcement noted that the suspects were taken into custody from Bongaon in North 24 Parganas district following a targeted intelligence operation.

Key Developments in the Case

The case stems from a deadly shooting in Dhaka on 12 December. At approximately 2:15 p.m., Sharif Osman Hadi was travelling by rickshaw through the Box Culvert area of the capital when he was attacked by armed assailants riding a motorcycle. Witnesses reported that the attackers fired at close range before fleeing the scene.

Hadi, critically wounded in the assault, was immediately taken to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Later that evening, he was transferred to Evercare Hospital in the capital for advanced treatment. As his condition deteriorated, doctors recommended specialised care abroad, and he was flown to Singapore by air ambulance on 15 December. Despite intensive treatment, he succumbed to his injuries on 18 December.

Bangladesh’s Detective Branch of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police filed a formal charge sheet on 6 January, naming 17 individuals in connection with the killing. Faisal Karim Masud was identified as the principal accused.

During a press briefing at the Dhaka Metropolitan Police media centre, Additional Commissioner Shafiqul Islam stated that Masud had previously been associated with the banned organisation Bangladesh Chhatra League. Investigators believe the killing was driven by political rivalry and hostility.

Authorities in Bangladesh have already arrested 12 of the individuals named in the charge sheet. The capture of Masud and Hossain in India is expected to play a critical role in advancing the investigation and clarifying the circumstances surrounding the politically charged assassination.

Officials in both countries are now expected to coordinate further legal procedures, including potential extradition arrangements, as investigators seek to bring all suspects involved in the case to justice.