Police detained 379 people during a fresh anti-gang drive targeting juvenile gangs in Cumilla.
The operation was carried out simultaneously in all 18 police stations of the district from 7pm until midnight on Tuesday.
According to Cumilla district police, the drive was conducted under direct supervision of Superintendent of Police Md Anisuzzaman.
Various units of the district police and the detectives participated in the operation, focusing on areas known for the activities of suspected juvenile gang members.
In a press release, police said the involvement of the detainees in criminal activities is being verified. Necessary legal action will be taken following the verification process.
Police also said they are closely monitoring the operation to ensure that no innocent person is subjected to harassment.
Earlier, on 27 September, a similar anti-gang operation conducted jointly by district police and the DB resulted in the detention of 415 people. That operation was also carried out across all 18 police stations between 7pm and midnight. Police had detained many other youths in several phases of previous crackdowns as well.
The issue of juvenile gangs and criminal networks recently drew renewed attention following the killing of 13-year-old Ishayat Shahriar Apratim in Cumilla. Apratim went missing on the afternoon of 18 September after leaving his home in Kotbari area. His body was recovered the following day from a hilly area behind Magic Paradise Park in Moynamoti under Sadar Dakshin upazila.
The law enforcers later arrested several suspects in connection with the case and filed a murder case against them.
Police said such drives are being conducted regularly to prevent teenagers and young people from becoming involved in criminal activities, adding that the campaign against juvenile crime will continue.
