The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has dismantled a professional mugging syndicate allegedly responsible for the death of Bullet Bairagi, an Assistant Revenue Officer within the Customs, Excise, and VAT Department. Investigative findings released by the elite force indicate that the perpetrators utilised a deceptive “passenger trap” to lure the official into a fatal confrontation. Following extensive operations across the Comilla district, five individuals have been taken into custody.
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Arrests and Suspect Profiles
The apprehended suspects have been identified as Sohag, Ismail Hossain Joni, Imran Hossain Hridoy, Rahat Hossain Jewel, and Sujan. According to law enforcement, all five men are residents of the Kotwali Police Station area in Comilla and are believed to be members of a structured criminal gang.
The details of the arrests were disclosed by Wing Commander M.Z.M. Entekhab Chowdhury, Director of the RAB Legal and Media Wing, during a press briefing conducted on Monday, 27 April 2026, at the RAB Media Centre in Karwan Bazar, Dhaka. He characterised the group as a professional unit that regularly exploited commuters along the strategically vital Dhaka-Chittagong highway.
Chronicle of the Incident
Bullet Bairagi, a non-cadre officer appointed through the 41st Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS), had been attending the 44th basic foundation training in Chittagong. On the night of 24 April 2024, he commenced his return journey to Comilla. Reports from his family suggest that he was in telephone contact with them shortly before he went missing, indicating he was nearly home.
The investigation reconstructed the following timeline:
03:00 am (Friday): Bairagi arrived at the Jagurjhuli Bishwaroad intersection.
The Trap: A suspect, identified as Jewel, approached Bairagi to ascertain his destination. Upon hearing that the official required transport to Jangalia, he was offered a seat in a CNG-powered auto-rickshaw.
The Assault: Once inside, Bairagi was confronted by Sohag, Joni, and Hridoy, who were already in the vehicle. The gang brandished a cleaver, a “switch-gear” knife, and a hammer.
The Robbery: A struggle ensued as the suspects attempted to seize his belongings. Bairagi was reportedly subjected to physical violence before the gang took his mobile phone, bag, and a nominal amount of cash.
The Fatality: While the vehicle was in motion, the assailants forcibly pushed Bairagi onto the road. The resulting impact, combined with earlier injuries, proved fatal.
Investigation and Evidence Recovery
The body of the official was located approximately twelve hours later, at 08:45 am on 25 April, abandoned near a hotel in the Kotbari area. Officers from the Mainamati Highway Police, who first arrived at the scene, noted significant trauma to the victim’s face and cranium.
In response to a murder case filed by the victim’s mother at the Comilla Sadar South Model Police Station, RAB deployed specialised intelligence units. Their efforts led to the successful raids and the seizure of critical physical evidence, including:
The specific CNG-powered auto-rickshaw used to transport and assault the victim.
A cleaver (locally known as a chappati).
A switch-gear knife and a hammer.
Profile of the Deceased
Bullet Bairagi was the only child of Sushil Bairagi and was originally from the Dumuria village in Tungipara, Gopalganj. A dedicated civil servant, he was posted at the Bibibazar Land Port in Comilla. He is survived by his wife and a young child. At the time of the incident, he had been living in a rented residence in the Rajganj Panpatti area of the city to be near his place of posting. His colleagues and family have expressed profound shock at the brutal nature of the crime.
Judicial and Investigative Status
The Rapid Action Battalion has confirmed that the suspects are part of a broader network known for targeting highway commuters under the guise of providing legitimate transport services. The arrested individuals have been transitioned to the custody of the local police for further interrogation and the commencement of formal judicial proceedings. Law enforcement officials have underscored their commitment to a rigorous investigation to ensure the perpetrators receive the maximum legal penalties for the homicide of a public official.