Faisal, Alamgir taken to Delhi by NIA for questioning

Faisal Karim and Alamgir, accused in the murder case of Inquilab Manch spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, have been transferred to Delhi by India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) for further interrogation on Tuesday, March 24. Indian police sources said they were taken from Kolkata to Delhi on Monday night.

Earlier on March 22, the NIA had filed an application before the Bidhannagar court in Kolkata seeking permission to interrogate the two accused. The judge granted the application. However, the NIA did not apply for custody of the third Bangladeshi accused, Philip Sangma.

The following day, on March 23, the NIA filed a fresh application stating security concerns at Dum Dum Central Jail and requested that they not be interrogated there. The court then permitted their transfer to Delhi.

On Sunday, March 22, the Bidhannagar court ordered 12 days of judicial custody, allowing West Bengal Police's Special Task Force (STF) and the NIA to interrogate them in jail. They are scheduled to appear in court again on April 2.

Faisal Karim and Alamgir have been charged under sections 16 and 18 of India's anti-terror law, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). If proven, the accused could face a minimum of five years up to life imprisonment.

While leaving court, Faisal Karim claimed he was not involved in the murder. He said he was framed politically and would not be seen shooting in CCTV footage. He was in Bangladesh at the time of the incident, but did not explain why he later went to India.

On the night of March 7, West Bengal Police's STF arrested Faisal Karim and Alamgir from Bangaon in North 24 Parganas district, near the Bangladesh border. They were produced in court the next day and placed on 14-day police remand.

In the same case, Philip Sangma was placed on 14-day judicial custody on March 21. He is scheduled to appear in court on April 3. Concerned parties believe the possibility of the three accused being returned to Bangladesh soon is low.

Inquilab Manch spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi was shot in Dhaka's Paltan area on December 12 last year. He was taken to Singapore for advanced treatment but died on December 18. Subsequent police investigation implicated Faisal Karim. On January 6, detective police submitted a chargesheet against 17 individuals, 12 of whom were arrested in Bangladesh.