3 Arrested in Khulna for Demanding BDT 20 lac extortion

Khulna police have arrested three individuals for allegedly demanding BDT 20 lac in extortion.

The suspects were apprehended on Monday afternoon (January 19) at the residence of Shafiqul Islam on Nesar Uddin Road in Sonadanga, Khulna. Following the arrest, a case of extortion was filed against them. The arrested individuals are identified as Mehedi Hasan Miraj, Al Naeem, and Miraj Gazi.

According to police and local sources, Shafiqul Islam is a defendant in multiple cases. Earlier in the day, the three suspects entered his house under the pretext of renting it. They then claimed to be members of the NCP and alleged that an Awami League leader was hiding in the house, demanding BDT 20 lac in extortion.

Shafiqul Islam’s daughter, Shahnaz Parvin, sensed the situation and discreetly informed Sonadanga police. Acting quickly, the police arrested the three suspects and took them to the station. Subsequently, Shahnaz Parvin filed an official extortion case against them.

A video of the arrest of three individuals at Shafiqul Islam’s residence in Sonadanga, Khulna, has circulated on social media. In the video, one person can be seen questioning the suspects about their presence at the house. One of the arrested individuals claimed that they had information that the president of the Awami League in Koira Upazila was present there and that this had been communicated to the Khulna district coordinator of the National Citizens Party (NCP).

Shafiqul Islam’s daughter, Shahnaz Parvin, told reporters that the suspects initially posed as potential tenants. They later claimed to be representatives of the NCP, saying they were sent by central party leaders, and demanded BDT 20 lac in extortion. When her father expressed his inability to pay, they began to harass the family. She then secretly alerted the police, leading to the suspects’ arrest.

Meanwhile, the NCP has denied any connection with the incident. Mahmudul Hasan Faizullah, the party’s Khulna district coordinator, stated that the three arrested individuals are not members of the party and have no organizational ties. He warned that any criminal activity using the party’s name would face strict legal action.

Sonadanga police station’s Officer-in-Charge, Rafiqul Islam, confirmed that the three suspects were arrested following the tip-off. Initial investigations indicate they demanded BDT 20 lac in extortion, and the matter is under further legal scrutiny.