Villagers Hand Two Armed Suspects to Police

Two men allegedly carrying locally made firearms and ammunition have been handed over to police after being detained by local residents in the isolated island area of Kariyardia under Ujantia Union in Pekua Upazila of Cox’s Bazar.

According to police and local residents, the incident unfolded during the early hours of Friday when a group of around 12 individuals reportedly travelled to the remote coastal locality with the intention of taking control of a privately operated fish enclosure. Their alleged attempt was interrupted after nearby residents became aware of their presence and organised to confront them.

Local people said the group arrived in the area at approximately 4:00 a.m., carrying firearms and other equipment. As villagers moved to resist what they believed was an attempt to seize the fish enclosure by force, the group fled the scene. During the pursuit, two of the suspected individuals were caught by residents, while the remaining members of the group managed to escape.

The detained suspects were later identified as Nezam Uddin, 37, son of the late Ula Mia from North Nolbil in Kalarmarchhara Union of neighbouring Maheshkhali Upazila, and Shahidul Islam, 35, son of Abdul Jabbar from Majherpara in Ward No. 1 of Badarkhali Union under Matamuhuri Upazila.

Residents recovered two locally manufactured firearms, two rounds of live ammunition and 12 spent cartridge cases from the suspects. An engine-powered boat believed to have been used for transportation was also seized at the scene.

Police officers reached Kariyardia at around 10:00 a.m. on Friday and formally took custody of the two men, the recovered weapons and the seized boat before transporting them to Pekua Police Station for further legal action.

Officer-in-Charge Md Mehedi Hasan of Pekua Police Station said local residents had apprehended the two men while they were allegedly attempting to seize a fish enclosure by force and subsequently handed them over to law enforcement.

He confirmed that a case was being prepared against the suspects under the Arms Act. The recovered firearms, ammunition and other seized items would be presented as evidence during the investigation. Police are also working to identify and trace the remaining individuals who reportedly fled the area during the confrontation.

The officer added that the two suspects are scheduled to be produced before the Senior Judicial Magistrate’s Court in Chakaria on Saturday morning.

Disputes over fish enclosures and coastal water resources have periodically led to tensions in parts of Cox’s Bazar, particularly in remote island and estuarine areas where fisheries are a vital source of income. Law enforcement agencies continue to monitor such disputes closely, as attempts to settle ownership conflicts through force can pose serious risks to public safety and local livelihoods.