Kolkata, 09 March (H.S.) : Investigations by the West Bengal Police have revealed how two Bangladeshi nationals accused in the shooting of political activist Sharif Osman Hadi fled their country and managed to remain in India for several months before being arrested near the Indo-Bangladesh border.

According to a senior intelligence officer, the accused — Faisal Karim Masud (also known as Rahul) and Alamgir Hossain — escaped from Dhaka immediately after the shooting incident in December last year.

Investigators said the duo initially fled on a motorcycle and later changed vehicles multiple times to evade detection. During their journey towards the Haluaghat border area, they allegedly switched cars at least five times and used a “cut route” to avoid surveillance.

Taking advantage of darkness, the suspects crossed into India through Meghalaya, allegedly bypassing monitoring by the Border Security Force.

After entering India, intelligence sources said the two travelled through several northeastern states using false identities and temporary hideouts to avoid arrest. They later moved towards north Bengal, frequently changing trains and buses before eventually reaching Bangaon.

The Special Task Force (West Bengal Police) arrested the two suspects on Sunday from an area near the India-Bangladesh border under Bangaon subdivision in North 24 Parganas.

Police confirmed that a case has been registered and both accused were produced before a court and remanded to police custody.

Investigators suspect the two may have been hired to carry out the attack and are now trying to identify the individuals or organisations that may have planned the assassination. They are also examining whether the suspects had local contacts while hiding in West Bengal.

According to intelligence officials, the attack took place when Sharif Osman Hadi was travelling by rickshaw towards Suryoday Udayan. As the vehicle slowed near the Bijoynagar Water Tank due to traffic congestion, a motorcycle approached.

Police said Alamgir Hossain was riding the motorcycle while Faisal Karim Masud sat behind him. Masud allegedly pulled out a 9 mm pistol and shot Hadi in the head at close range.

Hadi was initially rushed for treatment in Dhaka and later taken to Singapore for advanced medical care. However, he remained in a coma and later succumbed to his injuries.

The incident sparked strong political reactions in Bangladesh and contributed to heightened tensions in the country. Investigations into the wider conspiracy behind the killing are ongoing.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh