Members of the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested six individuals in connection with the looting of gold jewellery after shooting a gold trader in the capital’s Banasree area on February 24.
Based on information, several DB teams conducted a series of raids in different parts of the country, including Dhaka, Gazipur, Narayanganj, Barishal, Pirojpur, and Madaripur, to arrest the gang members., said DMP Commissioner Sheikh Sazzat Ali at a briefing at the DMP media centre on Saturday.
The arrestees were identified as Md Kausar (31), Md Farhad (64), Md Khalilur Rahman (50), Md Sumon (30), Dulal Chowdhury (43), and Aminul (35).
Law enforcers recovered around five bhori of looted gold, Tk 2.44 lakh from the sale of some stolen gold, one revolver used in the robbery, four rounds of bullets, and a motorcycle. Out of the two motorcycles used in the incident, one was recovered, said the DMP commissioner.
"We were able to arrest six people. We also recovered the weapon used in the incident, along with two rounds of bullets, Tk 244,000 from the gold sold, and two motorcycles, one of which we recovered," he added.
After an extensive investigation, police arrested six individuals involved in the crime, which had drawn significant attention across media and social media platforms, he said.
"Following extensive media coverage and public concern, we directed the Detective Branch (DB) to solve the case diligently. After a thorough investigation, we have identified and arrested six of the seven individuals involved,” Commissioner Sazzat also said.
The arrestees include the group’s leader, Kausar, along with Khalil and Farhad. Sumon, Dulal Chowdhury, and Aminul were responsible for backup and reconnaissance.
In addition to solving this case, the police commissioner revealed that their investigation led to the identification of several other criminal gangs, and authorities were optimistic about making further arrests soon.
The DMP Commissioner also urged media outlets and social media users to avoid repeatedly spreading such incidents, which can fuel public fear and insecurity. "My intention is to assure the citizens of Dhaka that our police force is capable of handling such situations and restoring order," he added.
On February 24, 45-year-old businessman Anwar Hossain was shot and robbed of gold jewellery in Banasree. Anwar sustained bullet wounds on his hands and legs and was admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH).
Anwar owns a jewellery shop named “Alankar” at Banasree C Block.
After closing his shop for the night, he was returning home with 200 tolas of gold and Tk 100,000 in cash when he was ambushed.