Nine Detained in Rupnagar During ‘Operation Devil Hunt’ Phase-2

In a targeted sweep within the capital’s Rupnagar district, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) successfully apprehended nine individuals as part of an ongoing security initiative titled ‘Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2’. The crackdown, executed on Thursday, led to the arrest of several high-profile figures, most notably a senior leader from the now-proscribed Swechchhasebak League—the volunteer wing of the Awami League.

High-Profile Arrests and Legal Proceedings

The primary figure among the detainees has been identified as Alamgir Khan, 52, who served as the Vice-President of the Swechchhasebak League. His arrest follows a broader government crackdown on affiliated organisations of the former ruling party. Alongside him, police detained eight other men during the synchronised raids across various sectors of Rupnagar.

According to a formal press release issued on Friday by Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman of the DMP’s Media and Public Relations Department, the legal processing of the suspects is already underway. Alamgir Khan and another detainee, Md. Odullah, have been presented before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court in Dhaka to face specific criminal charges.

The remaining seven individuals were transferred to the Special Metropolitan Magistrate Court of the Mirpur Division. They face various charges under the DMP Ordinance Act, a set of regulations designed to maintain public order and address non-cognisable offences within the metropolitan area.

Table: Profile of Detainees and Judicial Status

Context of 'Operation Devil Hunt'

'Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2' represents a continuation of the DMP's intensified efforts to curb political volatility and criminal activity in the Mirpur and Rupnagar zones. This phase specifically targets individuals linked to banned political entities and those suspected of orchestrating subversive activities. Security analysts suggest that the naming of the operation reflects the police force's aggressive stance against what they term "anti-state elements" following the political transitions of late 2024 and 2025.

Local residents reported increased police presence and checkpoints throughout Rupnagar during the operation. The DMP has indicated that such intelligence-led raids will continue across other sectors of the capital to ensure a stable security environment.