A major breakthrough has been achieved by Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in the brutal killing of Customs officer Bullett Bairagi in Cumilla, with investigators revealing that he was abducted, robbed, and murdered by an organised gang posing as ordinary passengers.
According to RAB investigators, the victim had recently completed his training at the Customs, Excise and VAT Training Academy in Chattogram and was returning home when he was targeted. On the night of 25 April, his body was recovered beside the Irish Hotel area in Kotbari along the Dhaka–Chattogram Highway, sparking widespread shock and concern across the region.
Initially, the incident was recorded as an unidentified murder case, and a complaint was lodged at Cumilla Sadar South Model Police Station by the victim’s mother. Following the case, RAB-11 launched an intensive investigation, using intelligence surveillance and digital tracking to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Arrests and Seizures
RAB successfully arrested five individuals believed to be members of the gang. During the operation, several items belonging to the victim, along with weapons and tools used in the crime, were recovered.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrested suspects | Md. Sohel, Ismail Hossain Jony, Emran Hossain Hridoy, Rahat Hossain Jewel, Md. Sujon |
| Recovered personal belongings | Mobile phone, bag, clothing |
| Weapons and tools seized | Machete, switchblade, screwdriver, hammer, pliers |
| Vehicle seized | CNG-run auto-rickshaw |
| Other recoveries | Cash money |
Method of the Crime
Investigators disclosed that the gang had long been active in highway robbery and had developed a systematic method of targeting passengers. On the night of the incident, the group stationed themselves near Jagurjuli Bishwa Road, where they boarded a CNG auto-rickshaw in disguise as passengers.
Once inside the vehicle, they threatened the victim at knifepoint and robbed him of his valuables. As the vehicle reached the Kotbari area, the perpetrators allegedly pushed him out of the moving CNG. The impact caused severe injuries, leading to his death at the scene. The attackers then fled immediately.
Organised Criminal Network
RAB-11 officials stated that the arrested individuals are seasoned criminals with multiple cases against them, including highway robbery and organised theft. They are believed to have operated as part of a wider criminal network engaged in systematic highway crime.
The commanding officer of RAB-11 confirmed that the case was solved swiftly through coordinated intelligence gathering, surveillance operations, and digital forensic analysis. He added that further investigation is ongoing to identify additional members of the syndicate.
Following legal procedures, the arrested suspects have been handed over to Cumilla Sadar South Model Police Station for further action. Authorities have also indicated that operations will continue to dismantle the wider network believed to be involved in similar crimes along major highways.