Arrests Made in Foiled Robbery Plot

Police in Moulvibazar have arrested three individuals, including a reputed robbery ringleader, in connection with a foiled armed robbery attempt in the Baourbag area of Sadar upazila. Acting on intelligence and subsequent interrogation, law enforcement also recovered firearms and ammunition linked to the gang.

According to police accounts, on the night of 13 April at approximately 10:30 p.m., a group of six to seven armed men assembled inside a cemetery in Baourbag with the intention of carrying out a robbery. The group was reportedly equipped with firearms and live ammunition. Their movements were noticed by local residents, who quickly raised alarm and pursued the suspects.

During the ensuing chase, the gang opened fire in an attempt to escape. One of their own members, identified as 30-year-old Syed Shamsur Rahman Atik, was struck by gunfire amid the confusion and collapsed at the scene. While the remaining suspects fled, locals managed to detain the injured man and recover a pipe gun along with 21 rounds of live ammunition from his possession.

Following the incident, police launched an investigation. Based on information provided by the injured suspect, coordinated operations were conducted on 16 April in several locations, including Silam in Sylhet and different areas of Habiganj district. During these raids, officers arrested alleged robbery leader Rubel Mia, aged 40, along with another suspect, Ashraful Hossain Ashraful alias Ashai, aged 29.

Early the following morning, further searches were carried out in North Baranti area under Kamalpur union of Sadar upazila. Acting on additional intelligence from the detainees, police recovered another locally made pipe gun along with an expended cartridge casing from a banana plantation. In total, law enforcement has so far seized two pipe guns, 21 live rounds of ammunition, and one spent cartridge.

Police officials stated that the arrested individuals are active members of a coordinated inter-district robbery network. Investigators also confirmed that Rubel Mia is named in 11 separate cases related to robbery and other criminal offences, while Atik faces five previous cases. The injured suspect is currently receiving treatment at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital under police guard.

A specialised police team conducted the operation under the guidance of the Superintendent of Police for Moulvibazar, with supervision from senior officers of the Sadar Model Police Station. Authorities have indicated that operations will continue to apprehend the remaining fugitives linked to the gang.

Summary of Key Arrests and Recoveries