BNP leader Salahuddin acquitted by Shillong court

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed, who was facing charges of trespassing into the Indian state of Meghalaya, has been acquitted by a Shillong court.

Salahuddin’s lawyer SP Mahanta confirmed the matter to the Dhaka Tribune, adding that a Court of Judicial Magistrate (First Class) in Shillong, Meghalaya delivered the verdict on Friday.

“He is innocent. So, he has been acquitted,” said SP Mahanta.

Earlier, the court scheduled September 28 for pronouncing the verdict. But it was initially deferred to October 15 and then October 26.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed was spotted in the Golf Link area of Shillong on May 11, 2015. Local police were informed by the locals that an individual was suspiciously and aimlessly wandering in the area.

The BNP leader was taken to the Meghalaya Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (MIMHANS), after the Meghalaya police found him unable to speak properly during an interrogation.

On May 12, 2015 the BNP leader was shown arrested by the local police for not possessing valid documents.

Salahuddin was found mentally sound at MIMHANS, and subsequently referred to Shillong Civil Hospital for treatment.

Speaking to the reporters, Salahuddin Ahmed had made allegations that he was kidnapped in Bangladesh on March 10, 2015. However, he professed ignorance about his sudden appearance in Shillong on May 11, 2015.

The Shillong court had framed charges against Salahuddin Ahmed under Section 14 of India’s Foreigners Act, 1946 for entering India without valid documents.

He was granted bail on June 5, 2015 with a set of conditions that he has to appear before the court or superintendent of police, should not abscond or leave the jurisdiction of the court and furnish his complete residential address to the superintendent of police in Shillong.

The details regarding his absence and sudden arrival in Shillong remain a mystery.