Members of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) arrested 53 suspected members of kidnapping and extortionist gangs from different areas of the capital on Monday night.

During the drives, the elite force members also seized 60 mobile phone sets, 45 local weapons and Tk 1,44,730 in cash from their possessions.

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Fifteen teams of Rab-3 conducted simultaneous drives at Ramna, Khilgaon, Hatirjheel, Shahjahanpur, Paltan, Motijheel, Shahbag and Wari areas of the capital and arrested them, said ASP Imran Khan, assistant director (media) at RAB headquarters.

During the preliminary interrogation, the accused confessed to their involvement in extorting money from vegetable and fruit shops, temporary roadside shops, laguna (human hauler) stands and freight vehicles in different parts of the capital for a long time, he said.

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The activities of some organized extortionists and kidnappers have increased in different areas of the capital ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Legal action will be taken against the arrestees, ASP Imran added.