Delhi court extends NIA probe into Bangladeshi nationals accused in Hadi murder case
New Delhi: A special NIA court in New Delhi has granted the National Investigation Agency an additional 45 days to complete its investigation into three Bangladeshi nationals accused of illegally entering India and allegedly linked to the murder of political activist Sharif Osman Bin Hadi in Bangladesh.
The Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) Court in New Delhi has allowed the agency more time to complete its investigation against three Bangladeshi nationals arrested after allegedly entering India illegally through the Meghalaya border.
The court extended the investigation period from the standard 90 days to 135 days under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), effectively giving investigators an additional 45 days to complete the probe.
Court grants extension for investigation
Vacation Judge Saurabh Pratap Singh approved the extension on June 16 after hearing submissions from the NIA. The agency argued that fresh evidence and documents had recently been received and required detailed examination before the investigation could be concluded.
According to the NIA, records obtained from the Special Task Force (STF) of the West Bengal Police are currently being analysed. Investigators told the court that additional time was necessary to assess the material and pursue further leads.
The NIA's application was presented by Special Public Prosecutor Rahul Tyagi along with advocates Jatin, Amit Rohila and Public Prosecutor Kushdeep Gaur.
Three accused sent to judicial custody
On June 19, Vacation Judge Meenu Kaushik remanded the three accused — Rahul alias Faisal Karim Masud, Alamgir Hossain and Philip Sangma — to judicial custody for three days.
The three had earlier been taken into NIA custody from jail for further questioning. The agency sought additional custodial interrogation, citing new material received on June 8 following orders of the Supreme Court.
Investigators informed the court that certain facts emerging from the newly obtained material needed to be verified through custodial questioning of the accused.
Advocate Shashank Rai, appearing for the accused, opposed the NIA's request for further custody.
Investigation linked to Bangladesh activist's killing
The case is connected to the murder of Bangladeshi political activist Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, who was shot dead in Dhaka on December 12, 2025, while travelling in an autorickshaw.
According to investigators, Hadi had gained prominence during the July 2024 uprising in Bangladesh. His killing reportedly triggered unrest and protests in several parts of the country.
Authorities allege that the accused were involved in the case and subsequently fled to India through the Meghalaya border. They were later apprehended by the West Bengal STF in Bongaon while allegedly attempting to return to Bangladesh.
The NIA informed the court that Rahul alias Faisal Karim Masud and Alamgir Hossain had previously been interrogated for 21 days, while Philip Sangma had been questioned for seven days.
Charges already filed in Bangladesh
Investigators have stated that a chargesheet has already been filed in Bangladesh in connection with Hadi's murder, naming 17 individuals. The Indian investigation is focused on the activities of the accused within Indian territory, including allegations related to illegal entry and offences being examined under UAPA provisions.
The NIA is expected to continue analysing newly obtained evidence and conducting further questioning as it works to complete the investigation within the extended deadline.