A man impersonating a police officer and allegedly extorting money from vehicles has been arrested by genuine law enforcement officers in the bustling stadium area of Cox’s Bazar city, triggering widespread concern among locals who say he had been operating in the area for an extended period.
The arrest took place around midnight on Saturday near the Bir Shreshtha Ruhul Amin Stadium area in Cox’s Bazar. According to police and eyewitness accounts, the suspect was seen wearing a full police uniform, complete with handcuffs and identification-style badges, as he stopped vehicles and conducted so-called “searches”.
He was reportedly targeting vehicles carrying patients travelling to and from nearby medical facilities, including the 250-bed district hospital and other private clinics in the area. Locals alleged that he would intimidate drivers and passengers under the guise of official checks, demanding money in exchange for allowing them to proceed.
Residents further stated that the suspect’s behaviour had become so convincing that many people believed him to be an on-duty officer. His presence at night in the busy transport corridor had long been a source of unease, although his activities were only formally interrupted after a routine patrol by real police officers.
When officers from Bangladesh Police arrived at the scene, they grew suspicious of his conduct and questioned him. During interrogation, he failed to provide credible identification or proof of service, eventually confessing—or being confirmed—as an impostor. He was immediately taken into custody.
Police identified the detainee as Mohammad Atik Ullah Al Mamun, approximately 40 years old, from the Purba Digolia area of Rajapalong union in Ukhia Upazila. Authorities claim he had been using the fake identity of a law enforcement officer for some time to exert influence and extract money from members of the public.
A search of the suspect uncovered a complete police-style uniform, a pair of handcuffs, and two name badges bearing different identities—an element that further strengthened suspicions of deliberate impersonation and deception.
The case has been registered with Cox’s Bazar Sadar Model Police Station under charges of fraud and extortion. Following formal procedures, the accused was produced before a court and subsequently sent to jail.
Police have also launched an investigation into how the suspect obtained the uniform and equipment, and whether he had any accomplices or support network assisting him in the alleged criminal activity.
Case Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of accused | Mohammad Atik Ullah Al Mamun |
| Age | Approximately 40 years |
| Area of residence | Purba Digolia, Rajapalong Union, Ukhia Upazila |
| Allegations | Impersonation of police officer, extortion |
| Recovered items | Police-style uniform, handcuffs, two name badges |
| Incident location | Bir Shreshtha Ruhul Amin Stadium area, Cox’s Bazar |
| Time of incident | Around midnight, Saturday |
| Legal status | Arrested and sent to jail following court order |
Local residents say the arrest has brought a sense of relief to the area, which had reportedly been under quiet fear due to the suspect’s activities over an extended period. Police, meanwhile, have assured that monitoring in the area will be strengthened to prevent similar incidents in the future.