Twelve police personnel were injured in a gunfight with an armed gang during an operation in Raozan, Chattogram. Police also arrested a man identified as Dildar Hossain after he was found with gunshot wounds at the scene and recovered firearms, ammunition and several sharp weapons.
The incident took place at around 11.45pm on Wednesday, 30 September, in Baruyapara of Joynagar, South Kadolpur, Ward 9 of Kadolpur Union in Raozan Upazila.
The details were disclosed by Chattogram District Police Superintendent Md Masud Alam at a press briefing at his office on Thursday afternoon, 1 October.
The injured police personnel received initial treatment at different hospitals, according to the information provided by police. No further details were immediately given about the extent of their injuries.
Police said the operation followed allegations of extortion against an organised group allegedly led by local men Jane Alam, also known as Dakait Alam, and Mohammad Aziz, known as Aziz Boss. The group had allegedly been demanding money from various individuals and businesses in the area for a prolonged period.
According to police, the group went to the home of a man named Abu Bakkar Chowdhury on 25 September and allegedly demanded a substantial amount of money. After receiving a complaint, police launched an operation at Dakait Alam’s house on Wednesday night.
When the police team reached the front of the house, armed men inside allegedly opened fire at them indiscriminately. Police said Dakait Alam and Aziz Boss were among those present, along with Dildar Hossain, Md Rubel, Md Mamun-or-Rashid, also known as Mamun, Md Bacha and several other armed men.
Police personnel returned fire in self-defence, according to the account given by the authorities. During the exchange of gunfire, the armed men began retreating. Dildar Hossain was subsequently apprehended in an injured condition, while the other suspects managed to flee the area.
Police said the operation resulted in the recovery of a significant quantity of firearms and ammunition. From Dildar Hossain’s possession, officers recovered one double-barrelled gun and one single-barrelled sawn-off firearm.
The seized ammunition included 119 rounds of ammunition for a Chinese rifle and six lead cartridges. Police also recovered four machetes, two locally made sharp weapons known as kati, and two ammunition belts.
The incident has prompted police to continue efforts to locate those who escaped during the operation. The authorities are also expected to pursue legal proceedings in connection with the alleged extortion, the exchange of gunfire and the recovery of firearms and ammunition.
Police said the operation was conducted after receiving a complaint over alleged extortion. The identities and roles of the other armed individuals who were present at the scene remain subject to further investigation and legal proceedings.
