WASHINGTON: Sikhs For Justice, also known as SFJ, has announced a major cash reward linked to the killing of activist Osman Hadi. The group is based in the United States. It campaigns for Sikh separatism. SFJ referred to the slain activist as “Shaheed” Osman Hadi. The organization said it would offer 5.5 million Bangladeshi taka for information. The reward is meant to help locate, arrest, and extradite those allegedly responsible.
SFJ said the reward specifically targets the suspected hitman. The group claims the suspect fled Bangladesh after the killing. According to SFJ, the escape route led into India. The organization said it received confirmation from Dhaka police. It claimed officers acknowledged that suspects crossed the border after the attack. Dhaka police officials were not immediately available to confirm or deny this claim.
Reward Announcement and Alleged Escape
SFJ leaders said the reward aims to push the investigation forward. They called on the public to cooperate with authorities. The group said any credible information would be shared with law enforcement. SFJ stressed that justice for Osman Hadi remains its primary goal. It also claimed the killing was carefully planned. The organization alleged the operation involved cross-border coordination.
The group did not provide documents or independent proof. No official police statement was cited. SFJ maintained that the reward would motivate witnesses. It said the incentive could help trace the accused individuals. The organization also framed the killing as a political assassination. It linked the incident to broader regional tensions.
Allegations of Transnational Plot
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, SFJ’s general counsel, made strong allegations. He accused the Indian government of direct involvement. Pannun described the killing as an act of “transnational terrorism.” He alleged the operation was ordered under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He also compared the case to other alleged overseas killings.
Pannun cited the 2023 killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. SFJ has previously blamed Indian intelligence for that incident. In the Osman Hadi case, Pannun claimed the plan originated in New Delhi. He alleged it was coordinated through India’s High Commission in Dhaka. He further claimed local actors carried out the attack.
SFJ specifically named Pranay Verma. Verma is India’s high commissioner to Bangladesh. Pannun alleged Verma acted as the on-ground planner. These accusations were made without supporting evidence. India has repeatedly denied similar claims made by SFJ in the past.
Official Responses and Lack of Evidence
Indian authorities have rejected SFJ’s allegations before. They have described such claims as baseless and politically motivated. In this case, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka did not immediately respond. There was no public statement from New Delhi. Bangladeshi officials also remained silent at the time of the announcement.
SFJ acknowledged that its claims have not been independently verified. The organization said the reward is a tool, not a verdict. It argued that investigations should determine the truth. Observers note that the case could strain regional relations. Diplomatic sensitivity remains high. For now, the allegations remain unproven.
