The firearm recovered from the scene where two alleged criminals were killed in a mob beating in Satkania was looted from Chattogram’s Kotwali Police Station on August 5, police said on Thursday.
Chattogram Superintendent of Police (SP) Saiful Islam disclosed the information at a press conference at his office.
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The press conference was arranged following the arrest of Mamun, the prime accused in the murder case of dried fish trader Jahangir in Raozan, and his associate Biplob, who were arrested with firearms.
In response to journalists' queries, SP Saiful Islam said, “The two people killed in Satkania were identified as Nezam and Salek. Salek was an accused in eight cases including two for murder, while Nezam was also facing legal charges.”
“Our investigation indicates that they had visited the area at least eight times in the past three months. On the day of the incident, they arrived in seven CNG-run auto-rickshaws and brandished weapons at local shopkeepers. A few days earlier, they had slapped the wife of a union parishad member over extortion demands which fueled public resentment.”
About allegations of Awami League leader Manik Chairman’s involvement, the SP said, “There have been rumors about a political figure’s presence at the scene. However, we found no evidence linking any political leader or chairman to the incident. Instead, we are investigating members of a banned student organszation and their associates, who are suspected of harboring the criminals. Bringing them to justice is our priority.”
SP Saiful Islam said Nezam was seen wielding the weapon on the day of the incident.
“After his death, we recovered the firearm which was confirmed to be the looted weapon from Kotwali. It had run out of bullets during the confrontation. This raises serious concerns about how a police firearm ended up in their possession, and we are actively investigating the matter.”
Besides, on Wednesday night police arrested two suspected criminals from Noapara in Raozan upazila in businessman Jahangir murder case, he said.
A foreign revolver, bullets, and locally-made weapons used in the murder were recovered from them.
Mamun and his associates had demanded extortion money from businessman Jahangir in Raozan, said the SP.
When he refused, they shot and hacked him to death on January 24 after Juma prayers.
Mamun and Biplob are accused in at least 13 cases, including murder, abduction, and extortion, he said.
SP Saiful Islam added that during preliminary interrogation the arrestees admitted to their involvement in the murder and revealed details of the planning.