Police have arrested five alleged members of an inter-district robbery gang in connection with a robbery at the home of retired Assistant Superintendent of Police Md Matin Ullah in Mirsharai, Chattogram. An LG firearm, four rounds of ammunition, two large machetes, a truck allegedly used in the robbery and several other pieces of evidence have been recovered.
The Chattogram District Police disclosed the information in a press release on Thursday (15 October).
According to police, the robbery took place between 1.30am and 3am on 10 October at Sheikhertaluk in Madhyam Wahedpur, Ward No. 6 of Wahedpur Union, Mirsharai Upazila. A group of 15 to 16 people allegedly broke into the house and held the family members at gunpoint.
The robbers beat Matin Ullah, tied his hands and legs, and gagged him. His wife and daughter were also held inside the house and threatened while the gang searched the premises.
The perpetrators ransacked cupboards, wardrobes and furniture in several rooms, taking cash, gold jewellery, mobile phones, a CCTV monitor, a digital video recorder (DVR), a computer central processing unit (CPU) and other valuables.
Police estimated the total value of the stolen property at Tk 1,640,150.
After the robbers left, the victims sought help from neighbours and contacted the national emergency service through 999. Mirsharai Police Station personnel subsequently visited the scene and began the necessary legal procedures.
Raids in Three Districts Lead to Five Arrests
Following the incident, a joint investigation was launched by the District Detective Branch (DB) and Mirsharai police under the direction of Chattogram District Superintendent of Police Masud Alam.
Investigators visited the crime scene, spoke to local residents and analysed various pieces of information and evidence. Subsequent raids in different locations in Dhaka, Cumilla and Chattogram led to the arrest of five suspects.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Md Rahim of Titas, Md Jamal, also known as Kuddus, of Barura, Md Saiful Islam, also known as Sajib, of Daudkandi, Md Anwar Hossain Milon of Laksam, and Md Hanif, also from Laksam, all in Cumilla district.
Police said several of the suspects had previous criminal cases against them. Rahim faces 10 cases involving allegations of theft, firearms offences, murder and robbery. Jamal has four cases related to theft, robbery and firearms offences, while Saiful has two robbery cases. Hanif is facing one case involving an alleged attempted robbery.
The press release did not provide details of the cases, if any, against Anwar Hossain Milon.
Firearm, Ammunition and Robbery Vehicle Recovered
Based on information provided by the arrested suspects, police recovered an LG firearm, four rounds of ammunition, two large machetes, a truck, a CCTV DVR and monitor, a CPU and a broken lock.
Investigators are examining the recovered items as part of their efforts to establish the circumstances of the robbery and identify other people involved. The truck and CCTV equipment may also provide useful leads in the investigation.
During preliminary questioning, the suspects were identified by police as alleged active members of an inter-district robbery gang. According to the police statement, investigators have also found information suggesting their possible involvement in several organised robberies in Cumilla, Noakhali, Lakshmipur and Chattogram.
The extent of their alleged involvement in those incidents remains subject to further investigation.
Retirement Benefits Believed to Have Motivated Robbery
Preliminary findings suggest that the gang targeted Matin Ullah’s home after learning that he had received a substantial amount in pension and retirement benefits following his retirement from police service.
According to investigators, the suspects allegedly believed that the house would contain cash and other valuables, prompting them to plan the robbery.
Chattogram District Police said operations and investigative efforts were continuing to arrest the remaining suspects, recover the stolen property and establish whether the group was involved in other criminal activities.
The investigation is also expected to focus on identifying all those who participated in the robbery and determining the full extent of the stolen assets.
The allegations against the five arrested individuals have yet to be established through the judicial process.
