Two detained over extortion threats in Khulna

KHULNA, Oct 29: Police detained two alleged members of an extortion gang in Bagerhat on Tuesday in connection with threats against a health official and two leaders of the Paikgachha Bar Association in Khulna.

The suspects allegedly demanded money from Paikgachha Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Ahsanara Binte Ahmed with life threats to her and her family.

According to a written complaint filed with Paikgachha Police Station (PS), Ahsanara received a call from an unidentified number at about 3:05 pm on October 26. The caller identified himself as Aslam Sikder and claimed to be associated with the Sarbahara Communist Party.

The caller demanded money and threatened to abduct and harm Ahsanara and her family members if she refused, the complaint said. 

In a separate incident on October 25, Paikgachha Bar Association President GM Abdus Sattar and General Secretary GM Akkas Ali received phone calls demanding extortion money and threatening their lives, said Abdul Awal Kabir, Officer-in-Charge of Paikgachha PS.

The callers allegedly claimed to be acting on behalf of Grenade Babu, who police described as the alleged leader of a criminal group known as ‘B Company’.

Kabir said police had detained two alleged members of the group in Bagerhat on Tuesday afternoon and were being brought to Khulna for further legal proceedings.

Police have also placed Sikder under surveillance in connection with the threats to Ahsanara. The caller allegedly made the call from the Joydebpur area of Gazipur, Kabir said.