A Bangladeshi student leader accused in the 2024 killing of a police officer in Bangladesh was detained at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport while allegedly attempting to travel onward to Europe, according to sources. The individual, identified as Ahmed Raza Hasan Mehdi, was later deported to Bangladesh after being held briefly by immigration authorities. During the detention, Mehdi alleged that he was physically mistreated by police officials, a claim authorities have not publicly commented on.
Mehdi, described as a student coordinator from Habiganj district in Bangladesh, is accused in connection with the August 5, 2024 killing of Sub-Inspector Santosh Chowdhury during mob violence at Baniyachang Police Station. The incident occurred on the same day that widespread unrest gripped Bangladesh amid anti-government protests that led to the ouster of then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
According to sources, immigration officials intercepted Mehdi at the Delhi airport after receiving inputs regarding his background and alleged involvement in the case. He was detained while attempting to board a flight to Europe. Following verification procedures and coordination with authorities, he was deported to Bangladesh.
In a video recorded at the airport, Mehdi claimed he had been held in police custody for about 40 minutes and alleged that he was subjected to physical abuse during questioning. He stated that officers checked his mobile phone and that he had requested permission to contact his country’s embassy, claiming that cooperation was not provided. He added that he intended to pursue action after returning to Bangladesh.
Mehdi had previously drawn attention after a video circulated online in which he allegedly claimed responsibility for the killing of SI Chowdhury while seated inside a police station in Bangladesh. Authorities reportedly relied on intelligence inputs linked to these developments before stopping him at the airport.
Sub-Inspector Santosh Chowdhury was killed during violent clashes at the Baniyachang Police Station on August 5, 2024, when mob violence erupted amid political unrest. Reports indicated that his body was later hung from a tree, and the incident became one of the most widely reported episodes of violence during that period. The unrest saw widespread arson, looting, and attacks on minority communities and religious sites in several areas.
Chowdhury had been married for only ten months at the time of his death, and his son was born three months later. He was the only child of his parents. Earlier that same day, clashes between protesters and security forces in the Baniyachang area had resulted in multiple deaths after police opened fire. A report by BBC Bangla later raised allegations that the officer may have been specifically targeted, though the report was subsequently withdrawn, according to Bangladeshi media outlets.
