The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested nine further suspects in connection with a daylight attack, looting, and vandalism at the office of Digital Dot Net (DDN), an internet service provider in Chattogram’s Bakalia area.
The attack was reportedly carried out after the firm’s management refused to pay an extortion demand for the Tk2 crore.
The arrests were confirmed by Lieutenant Colonel Hafizur Rahman, captain of RAB-7, during a press conference held at the elite force’s Chandgaon office on Saturday afternoon.
The latest operation, conducted between Friday afternoon and Saturday dawn, brings the total number of arrests in the case to 21, including those apprehended by the police.
The nine newly arrested individuals have been identified as Michael Rohen Mia alias Michael, 31, Md Tuhin, 22, Akbar Hossain, 38, Md Abdul Mumin, 30, Md Masud Mia, 27, Md Didar Mia, 22, Md Sanjat Hassan, 18, Soyrat Hossain, 18, and Md Saifuddin, 32. Four locally made weapons used during the attack were recovered from their possession.
According to RAB, the sequence of events began on 11 July when David Emon, also known as Mobarak Hossain Emon, sent a WhatsApp message to DDN’s Managing Director, Adil Bin Mamun, demanding Tk2 crore in extortion.
When the demand was not met, a coordinated attack was launched two days later, on 13 July.
RAB investigations revealed that the assault was meticulously planned. A meeting was held at 10:30am on the day of the attack in the Bahaddarhat area to brief the participants.
A video recovered from Michael’s mobile phone allegedly shows him providing instructions on how to carry out the raid. The attackers, including hired goons from various parts of the city, travelled to Bakalia in several auto-rickshaws.
While one group-maintained surveillance outside the office, another group stormed the DDN premises in the Mariam Heights building around 11:30am. The gang reportedly looted Tk35 lakh and caused extensive damage to the office equipment.
The suspected mastermind remains a fugitive. Lt Col Hafizur Rahman said RAB has a “rough idea” regarding Emon’s current location but declined to disclose details for strategic reasons.
Addressing Emon’s recent claims of innocence on social media, the RAB captain dismissed them as a “drama” intended to save himself after his network was dismantled.
He noted that Emon had previously issued open threats that the business would not be allowed to operate unless his demands were met.
“He is using foreign numbers to spread pre-recorded audio messages to create fear,” Lt Col Hafizur Rahman said, adding that if Imon were a “true godfather,” he would be in the country to face the law.
He also addressed the influence of notorious figures like Boro Sajjad, noting that many criminals use the names of long-absent figures to establish dominance.
Responding to questions regarding the failure to arrest the primary planner within six days, the RAB official argued that the arrest of 21 people directly involved in the crime indicates a successful and ongoing operation.
He further commented on the issue of criminals returning to crime after securing bail, noting that while the law enforcement agencies collect evidence and make arrests, the granting of bail remains within the jurisdiction of the court.
A case regarding the incident was previously filed with the Chawkbazar Police Station. Operations to apprehend the remaining suspects, including David Imon, are currently underway.
