Racket Member Arrested Over Fake Hospital Scam

Dhaka Railway Police have arrested a member of an organised fraud ring operating around the capital’s railway station area, following a targeted operation on Sunday (12 April). The suspect, identified as Md. Ataur Rahman alias Merajul, aged 27, is a resident of Uttar Domghata village under Dhobaura upazila in Mymensingh district.

Authorities say the arrest was made in the vicinity of Dhaka Railway Station after weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering linked to a series of mobile financial service scams, primarily involving bKash transactions.

Method of deception targeting vulnerable passengers

According to preliminary investigations, the accused had been operating for an extended period using a highly manipulative fraud technique aimed at unsuspecting passengers, particularly minors and individuals unfamiliar with urban environments.

Police reports indicate that the suspect would loiter around railway platforms and identify potential victims. He would then discreetly collect contact numbers of their family members and place fraudulent phone calls, falsely claiming that a close relative had been involved in a serious road accident and had been admitted to hospital in critical condition.

Under emotional distress and pressure, victims’ families were allegedly persuaded to urgently transfer money via bKash to cover supposed emergency medical expenses. Authorities described the scheme as a form of psychological manipulation designed to exploit panic and urgency.

Confirmed case involving Tk 13,000 fraud

Investigators have confirmed at least one documented case in which the suspect defrauded a family from Pagla police station area in Mymensingh. The victim, a teenager named Md. Shamim Osman, along with his family, reportedly transferred approximately Tk 13,000 after receiving a distress call claiming a medical emergency involving a close relative.

Police believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward.

Arrest details and confession

During interrogation, Md. Ataur Rahman reportedly admitted to his involvement in the scam. He stated that he had become addicted to online gambling, which led him into debt and eventually forced him to leave his home. He later began living in and around railway stations, where he allegedly initiated fraudulent activities to sustain himself financially.

Authorities say his confession is being verified as part of an ongoing investigation to identify other members of the network and trace the flow of illicit funds.

Case overview

Police warning and ongoing action

Dhaka Railway Police have confirmed that legal proceedings against the accused are underway. Officials have also stated that efforts are being intensified to dismantle similar fraud networks operating around transport hubs.

In a public advisory, law enforcement authorities urged citizens to remain cautious when receiving unsolicited emergency calls requesting money. They advised verifying any such claims through direct contact with family members or local authorities before making financial transactions.

Police further emphasised that any suspicious activity or communication should be immediately reported to the nearest law enforcement office or railway security personnel.

The incident highlights a growing concern over mobile financial service fraud in public spaces, with authorities continuing to expand surveillance and awareness campaigns to prevent similar crimes in the fu