‘July Warrior’ Surabhi arrested over extortion allegations

Police have arrested Tahreema Jannat Surabhi, widely known as the ‘July Warrior,’ over allegations of extortion, blackmail, and financial fraud.

She was taken into custody late Wednesday (December 24) from her residence at Tongi in Gazipur.

According to police, Surabhi allegedly led a criminal network that extorted nearly Tk 2.5 crore from a Gulshan businessman by threatening to implicate him in cases related to last year’s July movement. Investigations suggest the group has extorted around Tk 50 crore from multiple victims through intimidation, blackmail, and fraudulent claims.

Police said the gang threatened victims with arrest, police harassment, or legal entanglement and then demanded large sums under the guise of “settlement.” Surabhi, a student of Bhawal Badre Alam Government College in Gazipur, is accused of leveraging her viral social media presence to connect with influential individuals and coerce payments.

Her controversial activities, including viral videos and targeted live streams, had already made her a widely recognised figure online.