Investigation Reveals Escape Route of Bangladeshi Activist's Killers to West Bengal
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Kolkata, March 9 (NationPress) Recent police investigations have shed light on the tactics employed by the two suspects in the assassination of Bangladeshi political activist Sharif Osman Hadi, revealing their escape route from Bangladesh and how they managed to stay in India for an extended period post-crime.
A senior intelligence officer from the West Bengal Police disclosed that the accused, Rahul alias Faisal Karim Masud and Alamgir Hossain, fled Dhaka right after the shooting incident in December of the previous year. Initially, they made their getaway on a motorcycle, subsequently changing vehicles multiple times to dodge law enforcement.
According to investigators, the suspects switched cars at least five times as they navigated toward the Haluaghat border in the Mymensingh district via a ‘cut route’. Utilizing the cover of darkness, they successfully crossed into Meghalaya, allegedly eluding the Border Security Force (BSF) surveillance.
Intelligence sources indicated that upon entering India, the duo traversed various states in the North East, employing false identities and temporary hideouts to avoid capture. They eventually moved through northern Bengal, frequently altering their means of transport via trains and buses, before finally arriving in Bangaon within the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.
The Special Task Force (STF) of the West Bengal Police apprehended the two Bangladeshi nationals on Sunday near the India-Bangladesh border, specifically in the Bangaon sub-division of North 24 Parganas.
In an official announcement, the West Bengal Police confirmed the identities of the detained individuals as Rahul alias Faisal Karim Masud and Alamgir Hossain. A formal case has been filed, and both suspects have been remanded to police custody following their court appearance on Sunday. Investigations are ongoing.
Authorities suspect that the two accused might have been contracted to execute the assassination. Investigators are currently working to uncover any individuals or organizations that could have orchestrated the killing and whether the suspects had local contacts during their concealment in West Bengal.
According to intelligence officials, the attack occurred while Osman Hadi was traveling by rickshaw towards Suryoday Udayan in Dhaka. As the rickshaw slowed near the Bijoynagar water tank due to traffic, a motorcycle approached.
Reports indicate that Alamgir Hossain was operating the motorcycle while Faisal Karim Masud was riding pillion. Allegedly, Masud drew a 9 mm pistol and fired a shot at Hadi's head from close range.
Hadi was promptly rushed for medical treatment and later transferred to Singapore for advanced care, but he remained in a coma and ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
This incident sparked significant political backlash in Bangladesh, escalating tensions and prolonging political instability.