Five intelligence members of the Rapid Action Battalion were injured after coming under attack while gathering intelligence on suspected drug traffickers in Lalpur upazila of Natore district. One individual has been arrested in connection with the incident, which took place during a covert operation in a rural riverside area.
The confrontation occurred at approximately 10:00 pm on Tuesday in Novinagar village under the Old Ishwardi Union of Lalpur Upazila. According to law enforcement sources, the RAB intelligence team—operating in plain clothes as part of a pre-operational reconnaissance mission—had been collecting information on alleged narcotics activity in the area.
Incident Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Tuesday, 12 May, 10:00 pm |
| Location | Novinagar village, Old Ishwardi Union, Lalpur Upazila |
| Force Involved | RAB Intelligence Unit (6 members) |
| Injured Personnel | 5 RAB members |
| Arrest Made | 1 suspect (Sohag Mahmud, 25) |
| Initial Response | Local police rescue and hospital transfer |
Police reports indicate that six plain-clothed officers from the Natore camp of the Rapid Action Battalion arrived in Novinagar village as part of a surveillance operation. While stationed near a riverside area, they reportedly observed a group of young men gathered informally.
Upon noticing unfamiliar individuals in the vicinity, the group allegedly confronted the officers. Tensions escalated when the youths blocked the movement of the officers’ motorcycles and engaged them in a heated verbal exchange. The situation deteriorated further when several motorcycle keys were reportedly seized, followed by a sudden physical assault on the officers.
Reinforcements from the local police station were quickly dispatched after being alerted. Officers from Lalpur Police Station arrived at the scene and managed to bring the situation under control. The injured RAB personnel were transported to Lalpur Upazila Health Complex for emergency treatment.
Medical officer Shammi Akter confirmed that the injured officers sustained physical trauma but were reported to be in stable condition following treatment. All were under observation until Wednesday morning.
Local Union Parishad member Afzal Hossain stated that he had been informed about the incident but did not witness the attack firsthand. Authorities have since detained one suspect, identified as 25-year-old Sohag Mahmud, son of Fazlur Rahman of Novinagar village, for questioning.
The Officer-in-Charge of Lalpur Police Station, Shafiqur Islam, confirmed that the operation was part of preliminary intelligence gathering ahead of an anti-narcotics drive. He added that although the officers were in plain clothes, their identity was reportedly recognised during the encounter. Despite this, the situation escalated into violence.
An investigation has been launched, and legal proceedings are underway as authorities work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the attack and identify any additional individuals involved.