Manikganj Robbery Gang Busted

Police in Manikganj have arrested eight members of an organised robbery syndicate in connection with two audacious industrial raids in which goods worth approximately Tk 1.64 crore were looted. The arrests were made by the District Detective Branch (DB) following a series of coordinated operations across Manikganj, Dhaka, and Gazipur.

The breakthrough was announced on Friday during a press briefing at the Superintendent of Police’s office, where Additional Superintendent of Police Mahrom Ali confirmed the details of the arrests and ongoing investigation.

According to law enforcement officials, the suspects were apprehended between Thursday and early Friday following intelligence-led operations and digital surveillance. The raids covered Manikganj Sadar, Ashulia in Dhaka, and Kashimpur in Gazipur, indicating the wide operational network of the gang.

Details of the Incidents

Investigators revealed that the first attack took place on the night of 20 March at Astia Paper and Board Mills in Shibaloy upazila. The second incident occurred early on 23 March at Advance Attire Limited, a garment factory located in the Pukhuria area of Ghior upazila. In both cases, a heavily armed group of approximately 20 to 25 individuals took part.

The gang reportedly used locally made weapons to overpower security guards, restraining and assaulting them before locking them inside machine rooms. The attackers then cut off electricity supplies to disable surveillance systems and systematically dismantled valuable machinery and equipment.

Looted items included copper wiring, electrical components, computers, DVR units, hard drives, pipes, and cash. The operations were executed in a coordinated manner, suggesting prior reconnaissance and detailed planning.

Arrested Individuals

The eight arrested suspects have been identified as:

Police confirmed that all of them have been sent to court, and further legal proceedings are underway.

Recovered Items and Investigation

During the raids, detectives recovered a range of equipment believed to have been used in the robberies, including hydraulic cutters, drilling machines, and transport tools. Significant quantities of stolen copper wire, industrial pipes, computers, hard drives, and DVR systems were also seized.

Authorities estimate that the combined value of stolen goods from both incidents stands at around Tk 16.4 million. However, investigators believe the actual financial and operational damage to the affected industries may be significantly higher.

Police officials stated that the investigation is ongoing to identify additional members of the gang and determine whether an extended criminal network is involved. Efforts are also being intensified to recover the remaining stolen assets and prevent further industrial targeting in the region.

Law enforcement agencies have assured that surveillance and intelligence operations will continue until the entire network behind the sophisticated robberies is dismantled.