A specialised team from the Cox’s Bazar Sadar Model Police Station apprehended three suspected muggers equipped with firearms during a late-night operation on Thursday (18 December). The raid was conducted on the main road in front of the Burmese Government Primary School within the municipality. During the operation, police recovered a locally manufactured LG (Light Gun) and one round of live ammunition from the suspects’ possession.
According to police reports, the team was conducting a routine patrol when they signalled a suspicious CNG-powered auto-rickshaw travelling from the bus terminal towards Bazarghata to stop. As soon as the vehicle halted, the passengers attempted to flee on foot to evade capture. However, the police officers pursued and successfully detained all three individuals. The arrestees have been identified as Saiful Islam alias Iqbal (32) from South Rumaliarchhara, and Md. Riduan Hossain (25) and Md. Fahim (22), both from Baruakhali Union. Preliminary interrogations revealed that the gang was involved in targeting tourists and local residents for robbery during the late hours.
Aloke Biswas, Additional Superintendent of Police (DSB) and Media Focal Point for Cox’s Bazar District Police, stated that necessary legal proceedings have been initiated against the detainees. He emphasised that security measures have been significantly bolstered across the tourist town to ensure the safety of visitors during the peak season. This includes increased checkpoints at strategic locations and enhanced undercover surveillance. The authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining law and order, asserting that such crackdowns on criminal elements will continue regularly. Residents and tourists have lauded the swift action of the police in curbing the rising incidents of mugging in the coastal city.
GLIVE/TSN