Choto Suman Gang Second-in-Command Held

Bangladesh Coast Guard has detained a key member of a forest-based criminal group during a targeted operation in the Sundarbans, with authorities subsequently recovering firearms and ammunition based on his disclosed information.

The arrested individual has been identified as 35-year-old Abdus Samad Molla, a resident of Rampal upazila in Bagerhat district. According to Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam, he served as the second-in-command of the “Chhoto Suman” (Small Suman) gang, which has been linked to criminal activity in the Sundarbans region.

Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam stated on Tuesday afternoon that, under directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, security forces are conducting coordinated operations aimed at eliminating forest-based criminal groups. These efforts are being carried out under two ongoing initiatives titled “Operation Restore Peace in the Sundarbans” and “Operation Mangrove Shield.” The arrest was made during the third phase of “Operation Mangrove Shield.”

Acting on intelligence reports, Coast Guard personnel conducted a raid at around 10:00 pm on Monday in the Shukdhara Bazar area of Rampal upazila. During the operation, Abdus Samad Molla was apprehended. Officials stated that he had been involved for an extended period in criminal activities attributed to the Chhoto Suman gang within the Sundarbans.

Following his arrest, further action was taken based on his information. In the early hours of Tuesday, a follow-up operation was carried out in the Nandabala canal area adjacent to Mongla police station jurisdiction within the Sundarbans. During this search, law enforcement recovered one single-barrel firearm, an air gun, and two unexploded cartridges.

Authorities confirmed that legal proceedings against the arrested individual are currently underway. The Coast Guard has not disclosed further details regarding additional suspects or ongoing investigations.

Summary of Operation Details

The Coast Guard continues to conduct operations in the Sundarbans as part of broader efforts to curb criminal networks operating in the mangrove forest region.