Police Operation in Tongi Slums Leads to 16 Arrests

In a concerted police operation conducted early Thursday morning, law enforcement authorities in Tongi, Gazipur, raided two major slum areas, resulting in the arrest of sixteen individuals suspected of involvement in robbery and drug trafficking. Several locally made weapons were also recovered during the operation.

The raids were carried out by a team from the Tongi East Police Station in the Ershadnagar and Bank Field slums at dawn on 12 March. Officers conducted targeted searches across multiple residences, apprehending suspects believed to be active participants in local criminal networks.

According to police officials, the operation was prompted by longstanding complaints from residents regarding rampant street robberies and illicit drug dealings in the area. During the searches, authorities seized several homemade firearms, highlighting the dangerous nature of the criminal activities in these communities.

Suspects Apprehended

The sixteen individuals taken into custody are as follows:

Tongi East Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mehedi Hasan confirmed that all sixteen suspects have been formally charged and that legal proceedings are now underway. They have been remanded to the custody of the Gazipur courts for further investigation.

OC Hasan emphasised that this operation is part of a broader strategy to curb criminal activity in Tongi’s slum areas. “These arrests send a strong message to those engaged in violent crime and illegal drug trade,” he stated. “We are committed to maintaining public safety and will continue operations targeting criminal elements in the community.”

Local residents expressed relief following the crackdown, noting that the presence of law enforcement has significantly reduced the fear of street crime in recent weeks. Police have urged community members to continue cooperating with authorities to ensure sustained safety and security in the area.

This latest initiative reflects ongoing efforts by Gazipur police to tackle organised crime and address the growing concerns over public safety in densely populated urban settlements.