9 detained with arms in Bandarban during Army raid

The army has detained 9 individuals with weapons in Bandarban on suspicion of involvement in crimes such as abduction and extortion. The arrests were made on Thursday night from Tonkaboti Purnobashon Para.

According to law enforcement agencies, a special army team conducted an operation in Purnobashon Para of Tonkaboti Union along the Lama-Sualak road. During the operation, 15 people were initially detained from the area on suspicion of involvement in criminal activities. However, based on preliminary interrogation and information, 9 individuals were confirmed to be involved in abduction and extortion and were kept in custody, while the others were released.

The arrested individuals are: Ananda Mohon Chakma (72), Shantiram Chakma (33), Chathui Chakma (35), Shantiranjan Chakma (35), Kalparanjan Chakma (24), Jyoti Bikash Chakma (28), Pakhiram Tripura (31), Chathiya Tripura (60), and Jewel Tripura (26) — all residents of Purnobashon Karbari Para. Among them, Kalparanjan Chakma is an accused in the Jwolantho Chakma murder case. Authorities claim the detainees have ties to regional political organizations in the hill areas.

From them, the army recovered 5 firearms, uniforms, ammunition, and various other equipment.

Local Union Chairman Manoi Mro stated that several individuals were detained during the army’s operation in Purnobashon Chakma Para. Recently, incidents of abduction and extortion have been on the rise in areas such as Lama-Sualak, Sarai, and Tonkaboti Union. A local armed group is reportedly involved in these incidents.

Confirming the matter, Additional Superintendent of Police of Bandarban, Abdul Karim, said that 9 people have been arrested with arms in the army’s operation on charges of involvement in abduction and extortion in the hill areas. Legal action against them is currently underway.