Indian security agencies have firmly rejected reports from Bangladesh claiming that two accused in the murder of Bangladeshi student leader Osman Hadi fled into Meghalaya. Authorities said the narrative is false and risks creating unnecessary panic in a sensitive border state.
Senior officials from Meghalaya Police and the Border Security Force (BSF) said there is no evidence to support the claim that the suspects crossed into India from Bangladesh’s Haluaghat border.
Who Are the Accused Named in Reports?
Bangladeshi media reports alleged that Faisal Karim Masud and Alamgir Sheikh, accused in the Osman Hadi murder case, crossed into India and entered Meghalaya. The reports quoted officials from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police. Indian authorities dismissed these claims outright.
“No formal or informal communication has been received from the Bangladesh police. None of the accused named in the report has been traced in Garo Hills, and no arrests have been made,” a senior Meghalaya Police official said.
Meghalaya Police Deny Any Border Crossing
Police officials said ground checks, intelligence inputs, and surveillance have found no trace of the accused in Meghalaya. They also rejected claims that local individuals helped the suspects after crossing the border.
“Neither Purti nor Sami has been identified, traced or arrested anywhere in Meghalaya. The narrative appears to have been constructed without verification or coordination with Indian authorities,” the official added.
The police warned that spreading unverified claims can disturb peace in a border region that already faces security challenges.
BSF Calls Reports ‘Baseless and Misleading’
The BSF also strongly denied the allegations. Inspector General OP Upadhayay said there is no record of any such infiltration from the Haluaghat sector.
“There is no evidence whatsoever of these individuals crossing the international border from the Haluaghat sector into Meghalaya. No such incident has been detected or reported by the BSF. These claims are baseless and misleading,” Upadhayay said. He stressed that the BSF acts only on verified intelligence and established border protocols.
Misinformation a Growing Concern
Officials said this is not the first time such claims have surfaced. Earlier this month, reports in Bangladesh alleged that BSF personnel shot dead two Bangladeshi nationals. Indian authorities later denied the claims after verification. Security officials believe repeated misinformation could fuel unrest and strain cross-border relations.
Security Stepped Up as Precaution
Despite rejecting the reports, Meghalaya Police said they have increased vigilance along the border as a preventive measure.“Enhanced security is a standard preventive step and should not be misconstrued as confirmation of false claims,” a police headquarters official said. Authorities confirmed that coordination with the BSF remains strong to prevent any misuse of border routes.
India Open to Cooperation, But on Facts
Both Meghalaya Police and the BSF said they remain open to cooperation with Bangladeshi authorities. However, they made it clear that action will be taken only on verified information shared through official channels. Officials warned that narratives cannot replace facts, especially in matters involving border security and public safety.
