A police team came under attack while attempting to arrest alleged top criminal Wakil Hossain alias Boga, 42, in Chittagong’s Khulshi area early Friday.
At least six police personnel, including Khulshi Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Abdur Rahim, were injured after Baga’s followers allegedly attacked the law enforcers.
Police said Boga managed to escape through a secret tunnel inside his residence with the help of his family after being alerted about the raid.
The incident took place around 4:30am in the Wireless Mor and Pahartali areas of Khulshi on Friday, 4 September.
According to police sources, Boga is the second accused in a case filed over the abduction and assault of Mizanur Rahman, a lecturer at Pahartali Degree College. The lecturer was allegedly tortured while the college principal was forced to watch the incident through a video call.
Khulshi police conducted the early morning operation to arrest Boga in connection with the case.
Police said Baga’s followers blocked the road during the raid and attacked officers with brickbats and cocktail-like objects. The official vehicle of the Khulshi police OC was also vandalised during the clash.
To bring the situation under control, police fired sound grenades and rubber bullets in self-defence.
During a search of Boga’s residence at Wireless Colony, police discovered a secret tunnel. They alleged that Boga had received prior information about the operation and used the tunnel to escape.
Police sources said that after fleeing, Boga made phone and video calls to police officers, issuing threats and behaving aggressively.
OC Mohammad Abdur Rahim said Boga also faces an arrest warrant in a firearms case and the raid was conducted to execute the warrants.
“The accused launched a pre-planned attack on police. Legal action is being taken against those involved, and efforts to arrest Boga are continuing,” he said.
Local residents and police sources said Wakil Hossain Boga is the son of Mohammad Jabed of Wireless Colony. He has long been accused of involvement in criminal activities, including extortion, drug trading and land grabbing in Khulshi, Pahartali and Akbar Shah areas.
Police said 17 cases have been filed against him at different police stations. On June 8, Baga was expelled from the central Sechchasebak Dal over allegations of anti-disciplinary activities.
