Bangladeshi Student Leader Accused of Murder Makes Brief Delhi Stopover
In a surprising development, Mahdi Hasan, a hardline student leader from Bangladesh who faces charges for the murder of a Hindu police sub-inspector, recently visited New Delhi. According to official sources, Hasan was in the Indian capital for a short period but returned to his home country on his own after being refused a visa to Europe.
Details of the Delhi Visit and Police Questioning
Immigration records confirm that Hasan departed Bangladesh on February 16 and entered India on February 17. He stayed at a hotel in the Paharganj area of Delhi on that date. The hotel owner reported that Hasan arrived at 2 am and left around 8:30 pm the same day, presenting a valid Bangladeshi passport. He informed hotel staff that his purpose for being in Delhi was to submit documents at the Finnish embassy.
During his stay, Hasan was briefly questioned by Delhi police for approximately 30 minutes amid a social media uproar regarding his presence. However, authorities clarified that he was neither arrested nor detained. Indian officials stated that Hasan is not a wanted suspect in India, and there was no formal request from Bangladesh for his detention or extradition. Hotel staff noted that he behaved normally and showed no signs of suspicious activity.
Background on the Murder Charges and Current Status
Mahdi Hasan, a resident of Habiganj in Bangladesh, is facing serious legal charges in connection with the murder of police sub-inspector Santosh Chowdhury. The incident occurred on August 5, 2024, and has drawn significant attention in Bangladesh due to its communal and political implications. Hasan's role as a student leader has added to the controversy surrounding the case.
This visit highlights the complexities of cross-border movements involving individuals accused of crimes in their home countries. While Hasan's brief presence in Delhi sparked temporary concern, the lack of legal grounds for his detention in India meant he was free to return to Bangladesh. The incident underscores the importance of international cooperation and legal frameworks in handling such cases.
As of now, Hasan has returned to Bangladesh, and the focus remains on the ongoing legal proceedings against him there. Indian authorities have emphasized that his visit was monitored but did not warrant any intervention under current laws and bilateral agreements.
