A tragic incident occurred on Monday afternoon at Harbang Police Outpost in Cox’s Bazar’s Chakaria Upazila, where a police officer suddenly collapsed and died while detaining a suspected drug user. The deceased has been identified as Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Rupen Kanti De, 52, who was serving at the Harbang outpost. He hailed from Kadamtoli village in Rangunia Upazila, Chattogram. Preliminary medical assessment suggests that ASI De died of a heart-related condition.
Incident Details
According to eyewitnesses, at approximately 5:30 pm, Rupen Kanti De, along with SI Mofazzal Hossain, intercepted a 45-year-old man named Mohammad Junaid at Harbang station. Junaid was suspected of drug consumption. While SI Mofazzal questioned Junaid about alleged drug activity, ASI De was holding him by the belt to control him. Suddenly, ASI De collapsed to the ground.
He was initially rushed to the Mother and Child Hospital at Boraitoli Road, Chakaria, but later transferred to Chakaria Upazila Health Complex at 7:00 pm, where doctors confirmed his death. Local health officials noted that he had passed away before reaching the hospital. In the confusion, the suspect Junaid managed to flee the scene.
Locals described Junaid as a known drug user in the area. While he is also active in local politics, residents claim he is not involved in drug trafficking.
Hospital and Health Report
Chakaria Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Zainul Abedin stated that there were no signs of physical injury on ASI De’s body. Colleagues revealed that he had previously suffered two heart attacks. The sudden death also affected SI Mofazzal, who became unwell and required hospital care.
| Time (27 March 2026) | Event Description |
|---|---|
| 5:30 pm | ASI Rupen Kanti De and SI Mofazzal Hossain detain Mohammad Junaid |
| 5:45 pm | ASI De collapses suddenly |
| 6:00 pm | ASI De taken to first hospital (Boraitoli Mother & Child Hospital) |
| 7:00 pm | Transferred to Chakaria Upazila Health Complex; declared dead |
Chakaria police officer-in-charge Mohammad Monir Hossain confirmed: “ASI Rupen Kanti De passed away due to a heart condition. The suspect Junaid was later released as no drugs were found in his possession.”
Community Response
The sudden death of ASI De has cast a shadow of grief over Chakaria and Harbang communities. Residents are questioning how health risks, particularly heart conditions, can be managed during active police operations. The incident underscores the critical need for health awareness and precautionary measures among law enforcement personnel.
The Chakaria Police have initiated a preliminary investigation into the incident. ASI Rupen Kanti De’s untimely death is being mourned by colleagues, locals, and the wider law enforcement community alike.