A key accused in the murder of a Hindu police officer in Bangladesh was detained at Delhi airport while allegedly attempting to flee to Europe.
The accused, identified as Mahdi Ahmed Reza Hasan, was intercepted by the Immigration Department upon arrival at the airport, reported News 18. Authorities detained him as he was preparing to board a flight to Finland. Officials had reportedly acted on specific inputs about his presence in Delhi and moved swiftly to stop his departure.
Also Read | Sharing confidential information with media? Govt staff could face Official Secrets Act proceedings
Following the completion of necessary formalities, he was deported to Bangladesh.
Killed cop, boasted on social media
Mehdi had earlier claimed responsibility for the murder of a Hindu police officer, Santosh Chowdhary, in 2024. A video showing him making the statement while seated inside a police station in Bangladesh had circulated widely on social media.
The footage drew attention at the time, intensifying scrutiny around the case and the circumstances surrounding the officer's death.
Who was Santosh Chowdhary?
On August 5, 2024, Sub-Inspector Santosh Chowdhary was killed at the Baniyachang Police Station. His body was later hung from a tree.
The incident occurred during a period of unrest in Bangladesh following the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led government. What began as a student protest escalated into widespread violence. Reports indicated that minorities, including Hindus, were attacked and several places of worship were vandalised.
News 18 cited BBC Bangla publishing a report on the killing, raising claims that the officer had been "specifically targeted". The report was later withdrawn, according to the Bangladesh Post, reported News 18.
Also Read | What is MANAV vision? PM Modi rolls out India's ambitious AI framework
What triggered the unrest?
The unrest stemmed from student-led protests against Bangladesh's quota system. The policy reserved 30 per cent of government jobs for relatives and dependents of freedom fighters (Mukti Joddhas) who participated in the 1971 Liberation War.
The demonstrations spread across educational institutions nationwide and eventually culminated in the removal of the Awami League government.
