Police have uncovered an organised robbery syndicate believed to be responsible for a series of muggings in the Mohammadpur area of Dhaka. Investigators say the group employed a calculated strategy: travelling from Narayanganj to the capital in a pickup van, committing robberies in the early hours of the morning, and then swiftly returning to Narayanganj to avoid detection.
The details emerged during a press briefing held at the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Media Centre on Minto Road on Wednesday. According to police officials, significant information about the gang came to light while investigating the recent robbery of two sisters on Noorjahan Road in Mohammadpur.
The incident occurred on 31 May when the sisters returned to Dhaka from Thakurgaon after spending the Eid holidays with family. Upon arriving outside their residence at dawn, they were confronted by several armed assailants. The suspects allegedly threatened them with machetes before seizing a trolley bag, a handbag and other belongings. The attackers then fled the scene.
Following the incident, police launched an investigation by collecting and analysing CCTV footage from the surrounding area. Investigators eventually identified and arrested two suspects, Anwar Hossain and Jewel, also known as Arif. Information obtained during interrogation led officers to recover the pickup van allegedly used during the robbery, along with a machete believed to have been used to intimidate victims.
Police say evidence has also linked several other individuals to the gang. Their identities have been established and efforts to apprehend them are continuing.
Case Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | 31 May |
| Location | Noorjahan Road, Mohammadpur, Dhaka |
| Victims | Two sisters returning from Thakurgaon |
| Arrested Suspects | Anwar Hossain; Jewel alias Arif |
| Recovered Evidence | Pickup van and machete |
| Items Still Missing | Trolley bag and mobile phone |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing; further arrests expected |
According to Fazlul Karim, Additional Deputy Commissioner of DMP’s Tejgaon Division, many members of the gang had previously lived in Mohammadpur. Their familiarity with the area’s streets, alleys and escape routes reportedly enabled them to plan and execute crimes with precision. Approximately six months ago, they relocated to rented accommodation in Narayanganj and began operating from there.
Investigators believe the gang deliberately based itself outside Dhaka to reduce the risk of being identified by local residents and law enforcement agencies. After carrying out robberies, members would quickly leave the capital, making it more difficult to trace their movements.
Police sources further indicated that the group may have been involved in at least ten robberies in the Mohammadpur area using a similar method. Preliminary findings suggest that gang members typically departed Narayanganj after 2 a.m., entered Dhaka before sunrise and targeted individuals arriving home or travelling through relatively deserted streets. Once a robbery was completed, they would immediately leave the area.
Authorities have yet to recover the stolen trolley bag and mobile phone taken from the two sisters. However, officers say search operations remain active and they are optimistic about recovering the remaining items.
In response to questions from journalists, ADC Fazlul Karim stated that investigators had also uncovered indications of involvement by the pickup van’s driver and owner. Their activities are currently being monitored and legal action may follow depending on the outcome of the investigation.
Police records show that Jewel has a criminal history, with at least five cases filed against him at different police stations. These include two narcotics-related cases, one robbery case and two cases involving offences against women and children.
Law enforcement officials believe the investigation could expose further criminal activities linked to the syndicate. They also emphasised that expanding CCTV coverage, intelligence gathering and technology-driven investigative methods have significantly improved the ability of police to identify and dismantle organised inter-district criminal networks operating in and around the capital.