The Detective Branch has pressed charges against 17 individuals, including former councillor Taizul Islam Chowdhury Bappi of Dhaka North City Corporation Ward 6, over the murder of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi.
Among them, 11 are in jail, while six – including the mastermind and shooters – remain fugitive, Additional Police Commissioner of DB Shafiqul Islam said at a press conference on Tuesday.
He said the detectives filed the charge sheet with Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Court earlier in the day.
The police officer added that Hadi was killed due to political vendetta under a “plan” by Bappi, also the organising secretary of Dhaka Metropolitan North Awami League’s associate body Jubo League.
“Hadi was vocal against the fallen (Awami League) regime. He was murdered due to political vendetta,” Shafiqul added. Apart from Bappi, shooter Faisal, his associate Al-Amin, Philip, Faisal’s sister Jesmin and brother-in-law Mufti Mahmud are still on the run.
Regarding accused Faisal’s video message, Shafiqul Islam said, “He may have released a video message, but we have found evidence of his involvement.
“Based on the overall investigation and evidence, confessional statements of six arrested accused were recorded under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.”
The top police official added, “After analysing CCTV footage obtained from various locations, forensic reports of weapons and bullets, and forensic examination reports of mobile and other electronic devices, the involvement of the accused was proven.
“This process led to the submission of the charge sheet against 17 individuals. Should any further evidence or proof of someone’s involvement emerge in this case in the future, a supplementary charge sheet will be submitted to the court.”
Responding to a question about fugitives in India, Shafiqul said, “The charge sheet has now been submitted. After the court frames charges, the process for their extradition will begin. This will be carried out by other state agencies. If we [DB] get any instructions, we will also act.
Hadi had announced his candidacy as an independent candidate from Dhaka-8 constituency in the 13th parliamentary election. On 12 December, the day after the parliamentary election and referendum schedule was announced, Hadi was shot in the head in Purana Paltan, Dhaka.
In critical condition, he was initially treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later at Evercare Hospital.
As his condition deteriorated, he was taken to Singapore via air ambulance on 15 December. He passed away in the early hours of 18 December, three days later.
On 14 December, a case of attempted murder was filed at Paltan Police Station by Abdullah Al Jabed, member secretary of Inqilab Moncho, naming Faisal Karim Masud as the accused. After Hadi’s death, the case turned into a murder case.
