Officers from Labanchara Police Station under the Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP) have arrested three young men in possession of a pistol, live ammunition, crude bombs, and a motorbike during a targeted raid. Police confirmed that all three suspects have prior criminal records and face multiple pending cases.
The operation took place at approximately 6:50 pm on Tuesday, 29 September, in an open space in front of Jalal Ahmed’s husk mill, situated on the northern side of the Rupsha Bridge.
The suspects have been identified as 23-year-old Mohammad Al Amin, son of Kislu Howlader from the Mathabhanga Jute Mill area; 28-year-old Mohammad Roni Molla, also known as Kasai Roni, son of A. Rahim Molla from Raypara in Rupsha Upazila; and 26-year-old Swaron Jomaddar, known as Sojol Jomaddar, son of Raju Jomaddar from Doctor Gali in Labanchara.
Police sources revealed that the raid followed reports of extortion attempts at a privately owned cement unloading ghat near Rupsha Bridge. The facility owner, Yunus Ali, had been subjected to repeated threats and extortion demands from individuals claiming ties to local crime syndicates known as the ‘B-Company’ and the ‘Nur Azim Gang’. Driven by intimidation, cement unloading operations at the site came to a complete standstill on Tuesday.
Acting on precise intelligence regarding the presence of armed extortionists in the vicinity, a specialized team from Labanchara Police Station raided the location. Upon spotting police officers, the three suspects attempted to flee on a motorcycle with their faces concealed using helmets, masks, and traditional cloths. However, officers encircled the area and apprehended them before they could escape.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Labanchara Police Station, Syed Mosharraf Hossain, confirmed that search procedures yielded one pistol, four rounds of live ammunition, three crude bombs, and the motorcycle used in the escape attempt. He added that formal legal proceedings under the Arms Act and Explosives Act are currently underway against the detainees.
Extortion along riverine trade corridors remains a persistent challenge for local business operators in Khulna’s industrial belts. Law enforcement agencies have reiterated their commitment to dismantling organised criminal networks, stepping up surveillance around key commercial hubs to ensure safety and restore normal business operations.
