Police in Sirajganj have arrested three men accused of posing as a senior police official and attempting to extort money from local traders by demanding an alleged Eid honourarium through a messaging application. The suspects reportedly contacted business owners while falsely identifying themselves as the district’s chief law enforcement officer.
The arrests were confirmed on Monday at a press briefing held at Sirajganj Sadar Police Station. Speaking to reporters, Mohammad Hafizur Rahman, the Additional Superintendent of Police responsible for crime and operations, said the group had been operating by sending messages to traders and requesting financial contributions ahead of the Eid festival.
According to police officials, the suspects created accounts on a messaging platform and approached several businesspeople dealing in traditional clothing products, particularly sarees and lungis. By using the name and identity of a senior police officer, they attempted to convince traders that the payment request was legitimate.
Investigators said the operation came to light after a number of traders reported suspicious messages requesting funds. In response, law enforcement agencies launched an inquiry using digital monitoring techniques. Authorities were able to trace the suspects’ locations through information technology tools before conducting an operation that resulted in their arrest.
The detained individuals were identified as Sohel Mia, aged thirty four; Badsha Akand, aged fifty; and Ripon, aged twenty two. All three are residents of areas under Sherpur Upazila.
During the raid, police recovered two mobile telephones believed to have been used to communicate with the victims. A small amount of cash was also seized during the operation. Officials stated that the devices would be examined further to identify possible additional victims and determine whether the group had conducted similar activities elsewhere.
Summary of the Incident
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| District where case detected | Sirajganj |
| Number of suspects arrested | Three |
| Main allegation | Impersonation of a senior police official |
| Communication method | Messaging application |
| Primary targets | Saree and lungi traders |
| Evidence recovered | Two mobile phones and cash |
Police said that during initial questioning the suspects admitted to using the names and photographs of senior district police officers and other government officials to gain credibility. The tactic was designed to intimidate or persuade traders into transferring money quickly, particularly during the festive period when requests for donations or goodwill payments are more common.
Authorities have warned the public and the business community to remain cautious about financial requests received through digital platforms. Police emphasised that no government official would solicit personal payments through messaging applications and urged traders to verify any such request directly with the relevant office.
Legal proceedings are expected to follow as investigators continue to examine whether the group was involved in a wider network of digital fraud. Police officials said further developments may emerge as the investigation progresses.