As part of an ongoing crackdown on top criminal networks in Chattogram, police have targeted the notorious Rayhan gang, arresting two close associates and seizing a foreign-made firearm, ammunition, and a magazine.
Detectives from the Chattogram District Detective Branch (DB) detained the suspects, identified as Md Didar Alam, 30, and Md Afsar Mia, 30, during a targeted operation at a security checkpoint in the Shitalpur area of Sitakunda upazila on Sunday evening, 2 August. Both men are named suspects in the murder case of Maksudul Haq Chowdhury and are recognized key operatives of the gang leader Rayhan.
Details of the operation were disclosed by Chattogram Superintendent of Police (SP) Md Masud Alam during a press conference at the district police headquarters on Monday, 3 August.
Investigating officers traced the suspects through CCTV footage analysis, intelligence gathering, and digital forensics following the murder of Maksudul Haq Chowdhury in the Pahartali area of Chattogram city on 13 June. The evidence linked both Didar and Afsar directly to the killing.
Initial interrogations revealed that the pair had been actively involved in organized crime, extortion, and violent turf wars across Raozan, Rangunia, and adjacent areas. Police records show that Didar faces ten pending cases involving murder, firearms offences, extortion, and violent crime, while Afsar faces six similar charges. Investigators noted their involvement in several high-profile criminal incidents across the city and district.
Following information provided by the suspects during questioning, detective teams conducted a late-night raid in the Purba Raozan (Jurulkul) area of Raozan upazila. Officers recovered a 7.65mm foreign-made pistol, a magazine, and two live rounds buried behind a residential property.
Speaking to reporters, SP Masud Alam reiterated that Chattogram District Police maintains a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, extortion, illegal arms, and organized criminal syndicates. He assured that law enforcement will continue to leverage modern technology and intelligence-driven operations to ensure no criminal evades justice.
