Published :
Updated :
For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
Indian police have arrested a man accused of helping the main suspects in the killing of Sharif Osman bin Hadi cross the Bangladesh border.
Philip Sangma was detained early Saturday in Shantipur in India’s West Bengal, Indian daily Anandabazar Patrika reported, citing the state police’s Special Task Force (STF).
His arrest comes a week after the STF captured the main suspect Faisal Karim Masud and his alleged accomplice Alamgir Hossain from Bongaon in North 24 Parganas district.
A court later placed them on a 14-day remand.
Investigators said Sangma was arrested from a nearby area after the suspects allegedly identified him during questioning.
According to STF sources quoted by Anandabazar, Faisal and Alamgir crossed the border with Philip’s help, described as a broker operating around Haluaghat in Bangladesh.
Police said Philip admitted during initial questioning that he helped people cross the Haluaghat border illegally in exchange for money and that Faisal and Alamgir had left Bangladesh with his assistance.
Investigators also said Philip fled to India through the same Haluaghat border after the killing of Hadi, fearing arrest as police intensified efforts to track down suspects.
Indian media reports said he moved across several locations in the country before being detained.
Police were expected to produce him before a court on Saturday seeking custody for further questioning.
In Bangladesh, the investigation into the Hadi murder is currently being handled by the Criminal Investigation Department following court directives, though the agency has not yet issued an official statement on Philip’s arrest.
Hadi, who gained prominence during the July Uprising and the movement demanding a ban on the Awami League, had announced plans to run as an independent candidate from the Dhaka-8 constituency in the 13th parliamentary election.
He was shot on Dec 12 while campaigning in Bijoynagar when a gunman riding pillion on a moving motorcycle opened fire at his rickshaw.
Hadi was first taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for surgery and later moved to Evercare Hospital Dhaka before being flown to Singapore by air ambulance.
He died there on Dec 18.
Sixteen days after the shooting, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police said the main accused Faisal and motorcycle driver Alamgir had fled to India’s Meghalaya with help from Philip.
Indian authorities initially denied the suspects were in the country.
About two and a half months later, Indian media reported their arrest by the West Bengal STF, saying they had entered India through the Meghalaya border.
A week later, the STF also detained the man accused of helping them cross the border.
The Bangladesh government has said it is making “maximum efforts” to bring the two main suspects back to the country.