During a remand hearing on Thursday, an associate of human trafficker Philip Snal told the court that two individuals allegedly involved in shooting attack on Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Osman Hadi were helped by Philip to cross the border into India.

Dhaka Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Jashita Islam questioned Sibion Dio about the police’s seven-day remand request.Sibion, an associate of Philip, said he had learned of Philip’s alleged involvement from media reports.

“I called Philip after hearing his name linked to the Hadi attempted murder case. Philip admitted that he had helped two people cross the border,” Sibion told the court.He added that he had no knowledge about the attack itself or the current whereabouts of Philip.
Another accused, Sanjoy Chisim, also said he had communicated with Philip but was unaware of the details of the shooting.
“On the night of the incident, Philip called me and told me to stand on the road. Later, he called again and said the work was done and told me to leave,” he said.

Public Prosecutor Omar Faruq Farooqi told the court that both accused are close associates of Philip and that their testimonies indicate Philip’s role in helping prime suspect Faisal Karim Masud flee the country.
“Their involvement has been established and they need to be taken into custody for interrogation,” he urged.

Following the hearing, the court granted a three-day remand for both suspects.They were arrested on Wednesday from Haluaghat and Dhobaura in Mymensingh.So far, nine individuals have been arrested in connection with the case.

Among them, Faisal’s parents, Md Humayun Kabir and Most Hasi Begum, have provided confessional statements.
Others include Faisal’s associates Md Kabir, his wife Saheda Parvin Samia, girlfriend Maria Akter Lima, brother-in-law Wahid Ahmed Sipu and rent-a-car businessman Md Nuruzzaman Nomani, all of whom are currently on remand.

The case was filed on December 14 by Inqilab Moncho member secretary Javed with Paltan Model Police Station.
Hadi, who is an aspiring independent candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency, was critically injured in a shooting on December 12 near Box Culvert Road under Paltan Model Police Station.