Police have arrested nine members of a robbers’ gang following a heist in Chattogram’s Raozan upazila.
Law enforcers also recovered looted cash, gold jewellery, mobile phones, and equipment used during the robbery. The incident took place around 1:30am on Tuesday at a residence in Dewanpur area of Pahartali union.
The arrestees are Kabir Hossain, 46, of Bahubal, Habiganj; Ashik, 42, Budu Mia, 22, Abul Kalam, 22, Md Mitu, 28, and Md Mamun Mia, 30, all from Madhabpur, Habiganj; Ali Ahammad alias Monu Mia, 23, of South Surma; Abul Hossain, 32, of Bijoynagar, Brahmanbaria; and Monowaruzzaman Imon alias Shakil, 27, of Gopalganj, Sylhet.
Police added that Fajar Ali alias Baton and Dipjol, 31, both from Chunarughat, Habiganj, and Amin Ali, 34, from Bahubal, Habiganj, remain at large.
According to police, a gang of 14 to 15 men entered the house through an opening above the staircase room. They held the residents at point of local weapons, confined them to a single room, and looted cash, gold and jewellery, and mobile phones before attempting to flee.
Following the incident, multiple teams were formed under the supervision of Chattogram District Police and the leadership of Raozan Police Station’s Officer-in-charge (OC).
Utilising intelligence, technology, and local assistance, the teams conducted overnight raids in various areas of the Pahartali and Bagowan unions to apprehend the nine. Later a case was filed at Raozan Police Station.
Md Russell, additional superintendent of police (DB and Industrial) of Chattogram, said the arrestees are active members of a robbery gang and face multiple charges at various police stations across the country.
Interrogations revealed that the gang, led by Fajar Ali alias Baton and Dipjol, planned the robbery by recruiting criminals from different regions.
On the day of the incident, they arrived in Chattogram by bus and train in the morning and took positions in the Pahartali area after evening.
They remained hidden near the target location from 11pm before entering the house around 1am. Police and locals coordinated their efforts to arrest them. Operations to apprehend the remaining fugitives are ongoing.
