In a significant development in the investigation into the killing of Islamist figure Osman Hadi, two Bangladeshi nationals accused in the case have now been placed under the custody of India’s central anti-terror agency. The court has allowed investigators more time to question the accused and piece together the sequence of events that led to the crime.

Two Bangladeshi nationals accused of the murder of an Islamist, Osman Hadi, have been sent to 11-day custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The accused, Faisal Karim Masud (37), also known as Rahul, and Alamgir Hossain (34), were produced before a court in Delhi on Tuesday (24th March), which allowed the central agency to question them further. This move is expected to help officials gather deeper insights into the planning and execution of the crime.

Before being brought to Delhi, the two men had already been apprehended near the India-Bangladesh border. They were earlier arrested by the Special Task Force (STF) of West Bengal Police in the Bongaon area of North 24 Parganas district, near the India-Bangladesh border. The arrests occurred late on 7th March. After their arrest, they were brought to Delhi on transit remand and produced before the Patiala House Court. The sequence of arrests and transfers highlights the coordinated efforts between state police and central agencies in handling the case.

During the court proceedings, the prosecution raised serious concerns about the background and movements of the accused. During the hearing in court, Rahul Tyagi, who is the special public prosecutor in this case, told the court that the accused had escaped from Bangladesh and entered India. This suggests that there might be a conspiracy involved in this case. A detailed investigation needs to be conducted to understand all the events in this case. His statement underlined the possibility that the murder may not have been an isolated act but part of a larger, more complex network.

Investigators have also shared details about how the accused allegedly managed to enter and move within India. According to investigators, the two men had illegally crossed into India through the Meghalaya border. They then moved through different parts of the country before reaching Bongaon, which lies close to the India-Bangladesh border and is a key transit point. This route is now under scrutiny as agencies try to map their movements and identify any individuals who may have assisted them.

Background of the Case

The case relates to the killing of Osman Hadi, convenor of Inqilab Mancha and an Islamist, who was shot by masked assailants on 12th December 2025 near the Box Culvert in Dhaka’s Paltan area while travelling in an auto-rickshaw. He succumbed to his injuries later at a hospital in Singapore. He is one of the most prominent faces of the uprising that drove Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from power in August 2024. The incident not only shocked Bangladesh but also drew attention due to Hadi’s political influence and public presence.

The murder sparked widespread anger in Bangladesh and led to protests and violence in several areas. Public outrage quickly turned into unrest, with demonstrations reported from multiple regions, reflecting the deep divisions and tensions surrounding the case.

Officials believe that the accused fled Bangladesh soon after the incident and tried to move back after staying in India for some time. The NIA is now questioning them to uncover the full conspiracy and track down other people involved in the case. The investigation is ongoing, with agencies working to uncover every layer of the plot and ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice.