KOCHI — The hunt for a suspected Bangladeshi national who slipped from police custody has escalated into a full-blown manhunt, with authorities scrambling to locate the 31-year-old before he vanishes entirely. Tensions are high as a specialized 15-member team—drawn from the Palarivattom station and special operations groups across the city—combs through Kochi, determined to close the net.

Key facts

  • 15-member police team deployed from Palarivattom and special operations groups
  • Suspect Hadiulla Khan, 31, escaped on September 9
  • Couple Shah Alam (39) and Reshma (35) arrested for harboring Khan, released on bail
  • Khan among six suspected Bangladeshi nationals arrested for illegal stay

The Escape and Immediate Aftermath

Hadiulla Khan’s flight from the Palarivattom police station on September 9 sent shockwaves through the force. He reportedly clambered out through a washroom window, leaving officers stunned. While five other suspects—all natives of Morrelganj in Bangladesh’s Bagerhat district—were remanded to judicial custody, Khan remained at large, triggering an urgent response.

Shelter and Suspicions

Just days after the escape, a couple from Delhi—Shah Alam and Reshma—were booked for allegedly providing Khan refuge in their rented Chalikkavattom home. They knew he had escaped, police say, yet offered him shelter anyway. The pair were arrested but later released on bail, adding another layer of complexity to the investigation.

“We have intensified surveillance at all exit points. We had received information that he tried to board a bus to Aluva from the city on Friday evening. However, he was sent away as he did not have money for the bus ticket,” a city police officer said.

Where Is Khan Now?

Authorities believe Khan is still hiding somewhere in Kochi, his movements limited by lack of funds. Roadblocks and heightened vigilance at exit points aim to prevent him from fleeing the city. The police remain cautiously optimistic but acknowledge the challenge of tracing someone who has already evaded them once.

Larger Context

Khan was part of a group of six individuals arrested for allegedly staying in India without valid documents. Their apprehension at a Vennala rented house underscored ongoing concerns about illegal immigration, with charges filed under the Immigration and Foreigners Act. As the search for Khan continues, the case highlights the delicate balance between enforcement and community complicity.