In a significant law enforcement operation in Bangladesh’s Pabna district, police have arrested four individuals, including a local political youth leader, on allegations of extorting 17 million Bangladeshi Taka from a businessman over a prolonged period.
The accused include Mahmud Hasan Sonamoni, identified as a joint convenor of the Jubo Dal unit in Ishwardi upazila, along with three alleged associates. Authorities claim the group systematically intimidated and coerced a local entrepreneur into paying large sums of money over approximately 17 months.
The arrests were made on Tuesday following a case filed at Ishwardi Police Station on 15 May by businessman Md. Mahmuduzzaman of Gokulnagar. In his complaint, he alleged that Sonamoni and several others, including named suspects and unidentified individuals, repeatedly demanded and collected extortion money through threats and intimidation.
Police confirmed that the suspects were apprehended during a raid in Palidah village under Lalpur upazila in the neighbouring Natore district. During the operation, law enforcement recovered a foreign-made pistol, a magazine, and ten rounds of ammunition from the possession of Sonamoni.
According to officials, the three other arrested individuals have been identified as Kajal, Sweet, and another accomplice whose identity has not been fully disclosed in initial reports. Investigators believe the group operated in coordination, targeting multiple business entities in the Ishwardi area.
The complainant stated that the extortion primarily targeted two of his business concerns—Arabi Purified Drinking Water and M/s Ahnaf Enterprise. He further alleged that similar pressure and financial demands were also imposed on owners of Padma Drinking Water and Jamuna Drinking Water, who were forced to pay repeated sums under threats.
Police officials have indicated that legal proceedings are underway regarding both the extortion allegations and the recovered firearms. Authorities are also examining whether additional individuals were involved in the network and whether the group has links to wider criminal activity in the region.
A senior officer from Lalpur Police Station confirmed the arrests and stated that the seized weapon and ammunition are being analysed as part of the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, Ishwardi Police sources noted that the complainant had also submitted written complaints to additional law enforcement agencies, including a regional Rapid Action Battalion office, expressing fear for his safety.
Summary of Key Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Primary Accused | Mahmud Hasan Sonamoni |
| Affiliation | Jubo Dal (Ishwardi unit) |
| Co-accused | Kajal, Sweet, and one unidentified individual |
| Allegation | Extortion of approximately 17 million BDT |
| Duration | Around 17 months |
| Businesses Targeted | Arabi Purified Drinking Water, M/s Ahnaf Enterprise, Padma Drinking Water, Jamuna Drinking Water |
| Items Recovered | Foreign pistol, magazine, 10 rounds of ammunition |
| Arrest Location | Palidah village, Lalpur upazila |
| Complainant | Md. Mahmuduzzaman, Gokulnagar |
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the full extent of the alleged extortion network and whether further arrests will follow.