Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Feb 19: A Bangladeshi student leader accused in the 2024 murder of a Hindu police officer in Bangladesh was detained at Delhi’s international airport while allegedly attempting to flee to Europe, sources said. He was later deported to Bangladesh after formalities were completed.
The accused, Ahmed Raza Hasan Mehdi, a student coordinator from Habiganj district, was intercepted by immigration authorities before boarding his flight. Officials acted on specific inputs and stopped him at the airport, following which he was held briefly and then deported, sources added.
Mehdi is accused in connection with the killing of Sub-Inspector Santosh Chowdhury, who was lynched by a mob at the Baniyachang Police Station on August 5, 2024 — the same day former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted following widespread anti-government protests.
Speaking after his deportation, Mehdi alleged that he was mistreated during his brief detention in India.
“I was in police custody for 40 minutes. I was badly treated and the police wanted to put me in jail. I told them if I had done any illegal work, then I should be allowed to speak to the embassy. But they didn't cooperate. I am safe now. The police unlocked my phone and checked it. I will take action once I return home,” he claimed.
Indian authorities have not issued an official statement regarding the allegations.
Mehdi had earlier reportedly claimed responsibility for the killing of SI Chowdhury in 2024 while speaking inside a police station in Bangladesh. A video of the statement had circulated widely on social media at the time.
SI Santosh Chowdhury was killed during mob violence that erupted on August 5, 2024. His body was later hung from a tree, triggering outrage. The incident coincided with a period of unrest in Bangladesh following the fall of Hasina’s government.
That day saw widespread violence, including arson and clashes. In the Baniyachang area, nine people were reportedly killed in police firing during confrontations with protesters.
Chowdhury, who had been married for just 10 months, was the only son of his parents. His child was born three months after his death.
A report by BBC Bangla had raised allegations that the officer may have been specifically targeted, though the report was later withdrawn, according to Bangladesh-based news portal The Bangladesh Post.
With Mehdi now deported, further legal proceedings are expected to take place in Bangladesh in connection with the case.