A senior operative of a forest-based criminal group operating in the Sundarbans has been arrested by the Bangladesh Coast Guard during an intelligence-led operation, with subsequent recovery of arms and ammunition from a separate location based on his information.
The detained individual, Abdus Samad Molla, aged 35, is a resident of Rampal upazila in Bagerhat district. He has been identified by Coast Guard officials as the second-in-command of the “Chhoto Suman” gang, which is reportedly involved in criminal activities within the Sundarbans forest region.
Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam, media officer of the Bangladesh Coast Guard, said on Tuesday that the arrest was made as part of ongoing coordinated security operations in the Sundarbans. These operations are being conducted under directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs and are titled “Operation Restore Peace in the Sundarbans” and “Operation Mangrove Shield.” The detention took place during the third phase of “Operation Mangrove Shield.”
According to Coast Guard sources, acting on confidential intelligence, a team conducted a raid at approximately 10:00 pm on Monday in the Shukdhara Bazar area of Rampal upazila. During the operation, Abdus Samad Molla was apprehended. Authorities stated that he had been engaged for a prolonged period in activities associated with the Chhoto Suman gang in the Sundarbans.
Following his detention, interrogational leads provided by him prompted a second operation. In the early hours of Tuesday, Coast Guard personnel carried out a search in the Nandabala canal area, which lies adjacent to the jurisdiction of Mongla police station within the Sundarbans. During this operation, law enforcement recovered one single-barrel firearm, one air gun, and two unexploded cartridges.
Officials confirmed that legal procedures against the arrested suspect are currently in progress. No further details have been disclosed regarding other individuals linked to the gang or additional recoveries.
Operational Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrested Individual | Abdus Samad Molla (35) |
| Home District | Bagerhat (Rampal Upazila) |
| Alleged Position | Second-in-command, Chhoto Suman gang |
| Arrest Site | Shukdhara Bazar, Rampal |
| Arrest Time | Around 10:00 pm (Monday) |
| Follow-up Operation Area | Nandabala canal, Sundarbans |
| Recovered Weapons | 1 single-barrel gun, 1 air gun |
| Ammunition Recovered | 2 unexploded cartridges |
| Current Status | Legal proceedings ongoing |
The Coast Guard continues its sustained operations in the Sundarbans as part of broader measures to suppress organised criminal activity in the coastal forest region.