Investigation – NIA Gets Additional Time to Probe Cross-Border Murder Case
Investigation – The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has secured an additional 45 days from a special court in New Delhi to complete its investigation into a case involving Bangladeshi nationals accused of entering India unlawfully through the Meghalaya border. The individuals are suspected of having links to the murder of Bangladeshi political activist Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, a case that has drawn attention on both sides of the border.
Court Allows Extension for Investigation
The Special NIA Court accepted the agency’s request to extend the investigation period from 90 days to 135 days. The order was passed on June 16 by Vacation Judge Saurabh Pratap Singh after reviewing submissions made by the investigating agency and the prosecution team.
According to the NIA, additional time is necessary because new evidence and official records received from the Special Task Force (STF) of the West Bengal Police are still being examined. Investigators informed the court that the material requires detailed analysis before the probe can be concluded.
Accused Sent to Judicial Custody
In a separate hearing on June 19, Vacation Judge Meenu Kaushik directed that three accused — Rahul, also known as Faisal Karim Masud, Alamgir Hossain, and Philip Sangma — be placed in judicial custody for three days. Before this order, the accused had been in NIA custody for questioning.
The agency had earlier interrogated Rahul alias Faisal Karim Masud and Alamgir Hossain for a total of 21 days. Philip Sangma was questioned for seven days as part of the investigation.
Fresh Material Cited by Investigators
While requesting additional custody earlier, the NIA informed the court that fresh evidence became available on June 8 following directions issued by the Supreme Court. Investigators argued that several details emerging from the newly obtained material needed verification through custodial questioning of the accused.
The agency maintained that further examination was essential to establish facts connected to the broader conspiracy under investigation.
Defence Opposes Custody Request
The accused persons opposed the agency’s demand for further custodial interrogation. Their counsel, Advocate Shashank Rai, challenged the request and urged the court not to grant additional police custody.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the court proceeded with judicial custody while allowing the investigation to continue within the extended timeframe granted to the NIA.
Alleged Links to Political Activist’s Killing
Investigators claim that the accused were involved in the killing of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, a political activist from Bangladesh. According to the NIA, the suspects allegedly crossed into India through the Meghalaya border after the incident and later attempted to return to Bangladesh.
The agency stated that they were apprehended in Bongaon, West Bengal, while allegedly trying to cross back into Bangladesh. Their arrest was carried out by the Special Task Force in March 2026.
Background of the Murder Case
Sharif Osman Bin Hadi was reportedly shot dead in Dhaka on December 12, 2025, while travelling in an autorickshaw. He had gained recognition as a political activist during the political unrest and protests that swept Bangladesh in July 2024.
Authorities in Bangladesh reported that his death triggered protests and disturbances in several areas. Investigators there have already filed a chargesheet naming 17 individuals in connection with the murder.
The NIA’s ongoing investigation is focused on examining the movements of the accused, possible cross-border links, and other evidence that may help determine the circumstances surrounding the killing and the suspects’ alleged activities after entering India.