A woman was apprehended on Tuesday afternoon in the Fatikchhari Upazila of Chattogram after an attempted robbery involving the use of chilli powder. The incident occurred at New Tuntu Jewellers, located in the Bibir Hat area of the municipal centre, where the suspect allegedly attempted to flee with approximately 3.5 bhoris of gold ornaments.
Details of the Incident
According to eyewitness accounts and shop employees, the suspect entered the premises at approximately 2:00 pm wearing a burqa. Posing as a legitimate customer, she requested to view various items, specifically gold necklaces and bangles. As the staff opened the display cases to present the jewellery, the woman reached into her pocket and abruptly threw a handful of chilli powder into the eyes and faces of three employees.
The sudden chemical irritant temporarily blinded the staff members. Taking advantage of their distress, the suspect seized several items, including bangles, earrings, and a necklace. Despite their impaired vision, the employees managed to prevent her exit. One employee successfully restrained the woman’s hands, while others blocked the doorway, thwarting her repeated attempts to push past them and escape.
Police Intervention and Suspect Profile
Following the commotion, local residents and nearby shopkeepers gathered at the scene to assist the staff. The police were notified and arrived shortly thereafter to take the suspect into custody. Law enforcement identified the woman as Salma Akhtar, a resident of the Dharmapur Union in Fatikchhari, who currently resides in a rented property in the Hathazari Upazila headquarters.
Police investigations have revealed that this was not an isolated incident. CCTV footage from the shop clearly captured the progression of the robbery attempt. Furthermore, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Fatikchhari Police Station, Rabiul Islam Khan, confirmed that the suspect had been linked to another jewellery theft in the same Upazila on the preceding Monday.
| Incident Parameter | Details |
| Location | New Tuntu Jewellers, Bibir Hat, Fatikchhari |
| Date & Time | Tuesday, approx. 2:00 pm |
| Suspect Name | Salma Akhtar |
| Weapon Used | Chilli powder (Pepper irritant) |
| Stolen Property | Approx. 3.5 bhoris of gold |
| Previous Record | Theft reported on Monday (previous day) |
| Current Status | In police custody |
Statements and Legal Proceedings
The owner of the establishment, Suman Dhar, stated that the suspect attempted to snatch roughly 3.5 bhoris of gold before the staff managed to overpower her and hand her over to the authorities. Under the traditional measurement system used in Bangladesh, one bhori is equivalent to approximately 11.664 grams; thus, the attempted theft involved over 40 grams of gold.
OC Rabiul Islam Khan clarified the legal steps following the arrest:
“A complaint regarding a theft at another gold shop in the Upazila was lodged against this woman on Monday. Today, she was caught red-handed while attempting a similar crime under the guise of a buyer. She is currently being held in police custody. Following the filing of a formal case, she will be sent to jail via the court system.”
The local business community has expressed concern over the recurring nature of these thefts. The suspect remains in the Fatikchhari Police Station as the formal investigation continues.