A man identified as Md Nishan, also known as Chhoto Nishan, 30, has been arrested in Lakshmipur after allegedly being found carrying a pistol looted from Chandraganj Police Station along with ammunition. The Rapid Action Battalion also recovered 12 rounds of ammunition, a modern knife and the motorcycle he was riding during the operation.
The arrest was made on Tuesday afternoon in the Poddar Bazar area of the newly formed Chandraganj upazila. According to the law enforcement agency, Nishan is a listed criminal and has several murder cases pending against him at Chandraganj Police Station. Authorities also said he has been sentenced to life imprisonment in some of those cases.
Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police Mithun Kumar Kundu, acting company commander of the Noakhali camp of Rapid Action Battalion-11, disclosed the details in a press release issued on Tuesday night.
He said the force had been trying for some time to locate and arrest Nishan. Acting on specific intelligence about his whereabouts, a Rapid Action Battalion team took up position in the Poddar Bazar area and waited for him.
At one point, Nishan arrived on a motorcycle. After reportedly noticing the presence of the law enforcement personnel, he attempted to flee. The team pursued him and managed to apprehend him. A subsequent search allegedly led to the recovery of a pistol, 12 rounds of ammunition and a modern knife. The motorcycle used by Nishan was also seized.
According to the Rapid Action Battalion, the recovered pistol was among the firearms looted from Chandraganj Police Station after 5 August. During that period, attacks, arson and looting were reported at police stations in different parts of the country, raising concerns over the possible circulation of stolen firearms.
The recovery of such weapons has since remained a law enforcement priority because firearms taken from police custody can potentially find their way into criminal networks. Tracing their movement is also significant for investigators seeking to determine whether any of the stolen weapons were subsequently used in other offences.
Chandraganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abdur Rob said Nishan was a listed criminal and that police had previously conducted several operations to arrest him. The latest operation resulted in his capture with the alleged stolen firearm and ammunition.
A case has been filed at Chandraganj Police Station against Nishan in connection with the recovery of the looted weapon. His previous murder cases will also continue through the established legal process.
The investigation is expected to examine the origin and movement of the recovered pistol and ammunition, as well as whether the weapon was used in any other criminal activity. Such verification could provide investigators with additional evidence concerning the circulation of firearms stolen from police facilities.
Police said Nishan was scheduled to be produced before a court on Wednesday. Alongside the new arms case, the authorities will continue processing the existing cases against him in accordance with the law.
