Most Dhaka robberies linked to same organised gang: DB

A single organised gang is believed to be behind a large share of robberies in Dhaka, according to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch (DB), which says dismantling the network could significantly reduce such crimes in the capital.

Additional Police Commissioner (DB) Shafiqul Islam disclosed the information at a press briefing at the DMP Media Centre on Saturday.

He said five members of the gang had been arrested in connection with the robbery of more than Tk 121 million from a petrol station staffer in Uttara on August 9. The suspects allegedly used fake Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) uniforms, identity cards and walkie-talkies to pose as law enforcement personnel during the robbery.

The arrested suspects were identified as Ilias Shikdar, 36, Jafar, 36, Robiul Islam alias Rubel, 34, Mintu Rari, 23, and Sagar Barai, 40.

DB officials said they recovered four 7.65mm pistols, six magazines, 21 rounds of ammunition, Tk 1.2 million in stolen cash, fake RAB identity cards, vests and caps, walkie-talkies, handcuffs, several number plates and a motorcycle allegedly used in the robbery.

According to the DB, four employees of DL Filling Station were carrying Tk 121.5 million to deposit at a bank at around 10:30am on August 9. When they reached the BRT lane near Crown Plaza on the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway under Airport Police Station, a group of men on motorcycles intercepted them.

The attackers allegedly threatened and assaulted the employees with firearms and machetes before taking the bags of cash and fleeing the scene.

The DB and Uttara Crime Division subsequently launched a joint investigation. Acting on intelligence, detectives first arrested Ilias Shikdar and Jafar from Siddhirganj in Narayanganj.

Based on information provided by the two suspects, police raided Ilias’s rented residence and recovered a vest and cap bearing RAB markings, fake identification cards, a walkie-talkie, handcuffs, firearms, magazines and ammunition.

Robiul Islam alias Rubel and Mintu Rari were later arrested in the Matuail and Kajlarpar areas of Jatrabari. Police recovered additional firearms, ammunition, fake RAB identity cards and other equipment allegedly used in robberies from them.

Sagar Barai was subsequently arrested in Postogola, Shyampur, based on information provided by the other suspects. Police recovered Tk 900,000 from him, which officials said represented his share of the stolen money.

DB officials said the stolen cash had been divided among members of the gang according to their respective shares. Sagar’s portion was recovered before he could spend it.

The DB said efforts were continuing to arrest other members of the gang and recover the remaining stolen money. Investigators also said the firearms recovered from the suspects were not weapons previously looted from police.