The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested several alleged criminals, including a key accused in the murder case of Mohammadpur teenage gang leader Alex Emon, in separate operations in the capital, recovering firearms and sharp weapons.
RAB-2 has arrested four people, including Zahurul Islam alias Ripol alias Bipul, one of the key accused in the murder case of teenage gang leader ‘Alex Emon’ in Mohammadpur, RAB-2 Commander Additional DIG Naimul Hasan told journalists at a press conference at the RAB Media Centre in Kawran Bazar, Dhaka, on Friday afternoon.
Two foreign-made pistols, one single-barrel gun and seven locally made sharp weapons were recovered from the possession of four arrestees during raids in Katasur area under Mohammadpur Police Station and Keraniganj area of Dhaka district on Friday.
He said preliminary information suggested that the arrested people were involved in criminal activities in different parts of the capital.
He said RAB was focusing on dismantling the networks by arresting godfathers behind organised crimes rather than only targeting lower-tier members.
The RAB-2 chief claimed that there are currently no active juvenile gangs operating in Mohammadpur, saying ongoing operations have weakened such networks.
“The perception that Mohammadpur has a serious crime problem is largely based on past incidents. We are working to change that perception, and have already achieved significant success in this regard,” he said.
“The operation to remove vagabonds and terrorists from Mohammadpur is ongoing. Similar efforts are being made to make the entire city safe and crime-free,” he added.
Asked about the motive behind Alex Emon’s murder and those involved, Naimul said, “After the accused are taken on remand and provide confessional statements under Section 164 before a court, details about the motive and those involved in the murder can be revealed.”
He added that the local police station would be in a better position to provide further details.
Meanwhile, RAB-10 arrested four men with firearms and ammunition in Kadamtali area of the capital on Thursday night.
The arrestees were identified as Swapan, Monir, Jahidul Islam Siam and Arif Hossain.
Acting on information about drug-related activities, an operational team of RAB-10 conducted a raid in Purba Jurain area under Kadamtali Police Station and arrested the four from a residential building in Nabinbagh.
The elite force seized a foreign pistol, three bullets, a magazine, two switchblade knives, a toy-like pistol and five mobile phones from their possession.
RAB officials said Swapan has four cases filed against him at Kadamtali Police Station, including charges related to murder and drug offences.
Legal action against all four detainees is underway.
