Top terror suspect Raihan has seen hell even though he escaped: SP Masud

Police launched an operation in Companiganj, Noakhali, to arrest Raihan, the alleged second-in-command of Chattogram's listed top criminal Boro Sajjad.

Although Raihan managed to escape by jumping from the rooftop of a house after sensing the presence of law enforcers, Chattogram Superintendent of Police (SP) Masud Alam said the fugitive had "already seen hell" despite evading arrest.

SP Masud made the remarks on Thursday while briefing reporters on the arrest of another notorious criminal, David Iman, in Chattogram.

According to the police chief, officers acted on intelligence regarding Raihan's location.

Although he escaped by leaping from the roof, Masud stressed that law enforcement would continue pursuing him.

"He may have escaped this time, but he has already seen hell. There will be no leniency for criminals like him," the SP said.

Masud also claimed that when members of the criminal network sense imminent arrest or heightened public attention, they seek instructions from gang leaders based abroad. He alleged that, on the advice of Boro Sajjad, several members planned to flee to India and used teenage gang members to carry out attacks and acts of vandalism to create unrest.

He said police formed multiple investigation teams and used extensive intelligence gathering and digital forensic analysis to track the group's activities.

Speaking about the arrest of David Iman, SP Masud said members of the syndicate were highly sophisticated and avoided conventional mobile networks by communicating through foreign phone numbers and encrypted applications.

According to police, David Iman also planned to escape to India following instructions from Boro Sajjad after fearing arrest. Acting on intelligence, police placed him under close surveillance.

Law enforcers first conducted an operation in Daudkandi with assistance from Cumilla District Police, followed by heightened security at several checkpoints in Dhaka. Despite those efforts, Iman initially managed to evade capture.

Police later formed a special team with support from the Jessore District Police and launched a pre-dawn operation in Jhenaidah Sadar, where David Iman and four of his close associates were arrested.

Police allege that the suspects were involved in extortion, violent crimes and acts of sabotage, with several of them identified as key operatives and gunmen within the criminal network.

SP Masud added that media coverage of ongoing operations sometimes complicates law enforcement efforts by alerting fugitives.

Nevertheless, he said district police remain committed to cracking down on organized crime and vowed that no concessions would be made to criminal groups.