Jalil Akhtar, a 66-year-old resident of Karandighi in North Dinajpur, was released from jail after nearly three months in custody in a case in which he was allegedly detained on suspicion of being a Bangladeshi national.
An Islampur court granted Akhtar bail on Monday, following which he was released from custody.
His family has alleged that he was detained on the basis of suspicion and later implicated in a case despite possessing several Indian identity documents.
Family Says Police Picked Him Up in June
According to his family, personnel from Dalkhola Police Station took Akhtar from his home in the Baliamora area of Karandighi on the night of June 19.
The family alleges that police suspected him of being a Bangladeshi national.
The following morning, relatives went to the police station and were reportedly told that Akhtar could be released if they produced documents establishing his identity.
The family then returned with his voter ID, Aadhaar card, ration card and PAN card. However, they allege that police did not release him and instead told them that the administration would deal with the matter.
Court Examines Akhtar’s Documents
The family later submitted several of Akhtar’s documents before the court. Their validity was examined during the proceedings.
The case had also faced delays after the complete investigation report was reportedly not submitted within the stipulated time.
During Monday’s proceedings, the court reportedly recorded findings on the validity of Akhtar’s documents. The court order stated that his documents, including his voter ID, Aadhaar card and ration card, were valid.
Bail Raises Questions Over Initial Detention
Akhtar’s release has raised questions over the circumstances in which he was initially detained and whether his documents were properly verified before action was taken against him.
The family has maintained that Akhtar has longstanding ties to India and that the documents submitted before the court established his identity.
The case also comes amid concerns raised by rights groups and families in parts of West Bengal over people being questioned or detained on suspicion of being Bangladeshi nationals.
Activist Calls Action Abuse of Power
Human rights activist Abdul Baqui criticised the handling of Akhtar’s case and described it as an alleged misuse of police authority.
“This is an excess of the police administration and an abuse of power. A person whose family has been living in India for generations has had to face such harassment merely on the basis of suspicion,” Baqui told The Observer Post.
