RAB listing ‘patrons’ of Uttara snatcher gangs

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has drawn up a list of individuals suspected of sheltering and supporting snatcher gangs in Uttara, as authorities continue their campaign against robbery and theft along the Uttara House Building�"Airport Road corridor.

Speaking at a press briefing at the RAB Media Centre in Karwan Bazar on Tuesday, RAB-1 Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Md Neyamul Halim Chowdhury said that operations are underway not only to arrest snatchers but also those backing them.

“We have gathered information about several individuals who are assisting these criminals from behind the scenes. We have identified some names, but they cannot be disclosed at this stage for the sake of the investigation.

They will be arrested through separate operations,” he said in response to a question about action against alleged patrons who provide shelter to or arrange bail for the alleged offenders.

Addressing growing concerns over frequent snatching incidents on the road between Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and Gazipur, the RAB commanding officer said that police in the Uttara Division arrested 82 suspects on the first day of a recent drive and nearly 100 more the following day. RAB also arrested about 17 suspects during raids at Tongi Railway Station and the Mazar slum last week. The operations will continue, he maintained.

He added that after discussions with the deputy commissioner of the Uttara Division, law enforcement agencies estimated that around 1,200 suspected snatchers, extortionists, drug traffickers and other criminals have been arrested since the beginning of the year.

Asked about the recent rise in murders linked to drug abuse, the RAB official said that comprehensive research is needed to determine why drug trafficking and related killings are increasing.

Earlier, RAB said at a press briefing that a team from RAB-1 arrested Saydul Islam, 40, for his alleged involvement in the murder of his wife, Nasima Akhter, 27, within 24 hours of the incident. According to RAB, he stabbed Nasima to death after she refused to give him money to buy drugs, the RAB commander maintained.