Four Held With Foreign Pistols in Jessore Raid

Four members of the same family have been arrested in Jessore after a late-night joint security operation uncovered foreign-made pistols, ammunition and a cache of other weapons and contraband at a residential property, according to police sources.

The operation was carried out deep into the night on Saturday, 7 February, by a specialised team from the Pulherhat Army Camp. Acting on intelligence reports, the team conducted a nearly two-and-a-half-hour raid at a house in the Barandi Mollapara area of the town, believed to belong to Arif Hossain, described by law enforcement officials as a leading arms dealer in the region.

During the search, the joint force recovered two foreign pistols manufactured in the United States, along with magazines, live ammunition and various other items commonly associated with organised criminal activity. Officials said the discovery points to the presence of an illegal arms network operating from the premises.

Although the primary suspect, Arif Hossain, was not present at the time of the raid and remains at large, four of his close relatives were detained from the house. Those arrested include Zakir Hossain Sagar (52), son of Abdul Awal Mistry and a resident of Barandi Mollapara; his brother Joeb Hasan Sakib (55); Arif Hossain’s wife Lopa Khatun (32); and Zakir Hossain Sagar’s wife Tahera Akhtar Tania (45).

In addition to firearms and ammunition, the security team seized bladed weapons, surveillance equipment and alcohol, raising further concerns about the nature of activities conducted from the residence. Authorities believe the combination of weapons and monitoring devices suggests a deliberate attempt to protect and conceal illicit operations.

The detainees, along with all recovered items, were handed over to Jessore Kotwali Model Police Station at around 4:00 am on Sunday, 8 February. Police have since begun formal legal proceedings against the arrested individuals under the Arms Act and the Narcotics Control Act.

Inspector (Investigation) Kazi Babul Hossain of Jessore Kotwali Model Police Station confirmed that cases are being prepared and said further investigations are under way to determine the extent of the alleged arms trade and to locate the absconding suspect.

Items Recovered During the Raid

Law enforcement officials have indicated that further arrests may follow as the investigation continues and efforts intensify to apprehend Arif Hossain, whom authorities believe to be a key figure in the local illegal arms trade.