SHILLONG, July 22 - Bangladesh political leader, Salahuddin Ahmed has pleaded �not guilty� to charges of illegal entry into India framed against him by a lower Court here today.
The Chief Judicial Magistrate�s Court framed the charges against Ahmed under Section 14 of the Foreigners� Act, 1946 and explained to him the charges. �I have pleaded not guilty to the charges before the Court,� Ahmed told reporters after his appearance.
Clad in a white kurta-payjama, Ahmed said in Hindi: �Hum laya gaya yeha (I was brought here),� when asked about him entering into India without valid documents. Ahmed, who was found here in the State Capital on May 11 in a �disoriented state,� has claimed knowing nothing about his entry into India from Bangladesh.
He has further claimed of being kidnapped and blind-folded before being �brought and dropped� here. He also said that he was held in captivity for 62 days prior to being dropped in Shillong. He went missing from Bangladesh�s Uttara area of Dhaka and many believed he was dead before he resurfaced here.
The Bangla political leader was produced before a Shillong Court on May 27 and was subsequently remanded to 14 days judicial custody, but he complained of chest pain and was admitted at NEIGRIHMS. He was discharged from the Hospital after full recovery.
Later, a lower court granted him bail directing him to appear before the police here every week and not leave the Court�s jurisdiction.
During the next date of hearing, fixed on July 30, the witnesses would be examined, which includes the Investigation Officer of the case, P Lamare.
Legal experts say Ahmed�s case might not linger on for long. However, whichever way the verdict goes, Ahmed faces an uncertain future.
In Bangladesh, Ahmed, who is from the opposition Bangladesh National Party, 37 charges has been slapped on him. Bangladesh issued a red corner notice for Ahmed�s arrest.
