In a significant blow to the local criminal underworld, Raisul Islam Shimanto, the suspected kingpin of the infamous “Tension” teen gang, was apprehended by a disgruntled mob on Saturday night. The arrest took place in Ward No. 2 of the Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC) area at approximately 8:00 pm. Following a period of sustained public frustration, local residents took matters into their own hands, detaining Shimanto before handing him over to the authorities.
A Legacy of Impunity
Shimanto is a figure of considerable local notoriety, not least because of his familial connections. He is the eldest son of Shafiqul Islam Shafiq, a prominent candidate for the presidency of the Siddhirganj Thana Volunteers League.
During the tenure of the Awami League government, Shimanto allegedly operated under the political patronage of Shamim Osman, the former Member of Parliament for the Narayanganj-4 constituency. Under this protective umbrella, the “Tension” gang is accused of establishing a “reign of terror” throughout Siddhirganj, engaging in extortion, violent turf wars, and the intimidation of ordinary citizens.
The Apprehension at Mouchak
According to eyewitness reports, the atmosphere turned volatile when Shimanto was spotted in the Mouchak area on Saturday evening. Recognising the gang leader, a group of locals cornered him and reportedly subjected him to a “vigilante beating” before calling the police. Officers from the Siddhirganj Thana arrived shortly after to take the suspect into custody, shielding him from further physical assault.
A Lengthy Criminal Record
The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Siddhirganj Police Station, Abdul Barik, confirmed the arrest and noted the sheer volume of criminal allegations pending against the youth. Preliminary investigations suggest that Shimanto is a primary suspect in a staggering number of cases, many of which are related to the violent suppression of the recent Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.
| Category of Offence | Number of Cases | Key Allegations |
|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | 18 (Confirmed) | Murder, Attempted Murder, Assault |
| Political Violence | Multiple | Attacking Student Protesters (July–August) |
| Local Intimidation | Ongoing Review | Extortion, Gang Warfare, Public Nuisance |
| Status | Under Arrest | Remand sought for further questioning |
OC Abdul Barik stated:
“The public apprehended Shimanto and handed him over to our officers. At present, we have identified his involvement in 18 separate cases, including murder charges filed during the recent civil unrest. We are currently scouring our databases to compile a comprehensive list of all outstanding warrants against him.”
The arrest of the “Tension” group leader is seen by many residents as a pivotal moment in the dismantling of the “gang culture” that flourished under the previous administration’s shadow.
