Police in Narayanganj have arrested two men for allegedly carrying out a robbery while impersonating members of the Detective Branch (DB) of the police, in what authorities describe as a carefully orchestrated criminal operation. A significant portion of the stolen goods, including a truckload of palm oil, has been recovered following a swift police response.
The incident took place in Rupganj upazila, where a cargo truck transporting 60 drums of family-fortified palm oil departed from Shabnam Vegetable Oil Industries Limited in the Tarabo area on the afternoon of Tuesday, 24 February. The consignment was bound for Fulbaria in Mymensingh when it was intercepted en route.
According to police accounts, the truck was halted in the Baniyadi in the area of Murapara by a white TRX microbus carrying a group of seven to eight .The suspects identified themselves as DB police officers and demanded to inspect the vehicle’s documentation. Under this pretence, they seized control of the truck by taking its keys.
The driver, Babul Mia (36), was then forcibly abducted and taken into the microbus. During the ordeal, the assailants reportedly robbed him of approximately Tk 20,000 in cash and a mobile phone. Investigators believe the group intended to divert the consignment and distribute or sell the goods quickly.
Upon receiving information about the incident, local police units launched an immediate campaign. Around 5:30 pm, officers intercepted the microbus in the same in the area and managed to apprehend two suspects—Sekandar (40), from Kishoreganj headquarters, and Ron Chandra Shil (30), from Araihazar Upazila Gazipura area. Several other member of the gang fled the scene and remain at large.
During the operation, law enforcement officials recovered the hijacked truck, the microbus used in the crime, 55 drums of palm oil valued at almost Tk 2 million, a walkie-talkie set, and locally made weapons. The rescue of the kidnapped driver was also confirmed, and he was reported to be physically unharmed.
A summary of the key details is provided below:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Rupganj, Narayanganj |
| Date | 24 February |
| Arrested | 2 million |
| Suspects involved | approx 7–8 |
| Stolen goods | 60 drums of palm oil |
| rescue | 55 drums rescue |
| Estimated value | at Tk 20 lakh |
| Vehicles seized | 1 truck, 1 microbus |
| Other rescue | Walkie-talkie, local weapons |
The Officer-in-Charge of Rupganj Police Station, Sabjel Hossain, stated that the rapid response by police prevented a larger loss and ensured the safe recovery of both the driver and most of the cargo. He added that operations are ongoing to identify and arrest the remaining suspects.
Authorities have warned that incidents involving criminals impersonating law enforcement officials are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Transport operators and the public have been urged to verify identities carefully and report suspicious activities immediately.