A Bangladeshi Islamist accused of the 2024 murder of a Hindu police officer in Bangladesh was detained at the Delhi airport while trying to fly to Europe. The accused, Ahmed Raza Hasan Mehdi, was later deported back to Bangladesh.
According to the media reports, immigration authorities intercepted Mehdi at the airport before he could board his international flight. After questioning and completing formalities, officials sent him back to Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Hindu cop murder case: Accused Ahmed Raza Hasan Mehdi detained at Delhi airport, deported#ITVideo #Bangladesh #Delhi #DelhiAirport | @Sriya_Kundu @ArvindOjha pic.twitter.com/GyQeCbBa3q
— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) February 19, 2026
Accused in 2024 mob killing case
Mehdi is said to be a ‘student coordinator’ from Habiganj district in Bangladesh. He has been accused of the killing of Sub-Inspector Santosh Chowdhury, who was attacked by a mob on 5th August, 2024. The incident took place at the Baniyachang Police Station on a day marked by major political unrest in Bangladesh.
On the same day, then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power following large-scale anti-government protests. Reports suggest that the country witnessed widespread chaos, including violence, arson and attacks on members of the Hindu community. Several temples were also vandalised during the unrest.
Earlier that day, nine people had died in police firing after clashes broke out between protesters and security forces in the Baniyachang area.
In a video recorded at the Delhi airport, Mehdi said that he was kept in police custody for around 40 minutes and was badly treated. He claimed that officials unlocked his phone and checked it without his proper cooperation.
“I was in police custody for 40 minutes. I was badly treated, and the police wanted to put me in jail. I told them that 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 said in the video.
There has been no official response so far regarding his allegations of abuse.
Killing of SI Santosh Chowdhury
SI Santosh Chowdhury was killed during mob violence at the Baniyachang Police Station. His body was later found hanging from a tree, which shocked many across the region. He had been married for just 10 months at the time of his death. His son was born three months after he was killed. He was also the only son of his parents.
Earlier in 2024, Mehdi had reportedly claimed responsibility for Chowdhury’s killing while sitting inside a police station in Bangladesh. A video of his statement had gone viral on social media.
