Residents of Araihazar upazila in Narayanganj are gripped with fear due to a string of robberies. Their nights begin with the fear of robbery and their sleep is interrupted by loudspeaker announcements warning of ongoing crimes. Over the past week, 10 robberies have been reported across the upazila. In response, locals are staying awake at night to guard their neighborhoods.
It was reported that around 2:30 AM on Sunday (April 4), a group of 20-25 masked robbers attacked the Aguyandi area of Mahmudpur Union. Robberies took place simultaneously at the homes of Sri Juman Das (son of Montu), Mamun (son of Rustam Ali), another individual named Sri Babu, and Dr. Mannan (son of A. Majid).
The armed, masked robbers broke into each house, held the residents at gunpoint, assaulted them, and seriously injured Mofizul’s wife Brishti Akter (26) by slashing her ear with a sharp weapon. The gang looted 200,000 taka in cash, 2.5 bhori (approx. 29 grams) of gold jewelry, and six mobile phones.
Earlier, on Saturday night (May 3), a robbery took place in the Teguriapara area of Uchidpur Union at the home of Al Amin. The robbers broke down the door, held the family at gunpoint, and looted 100,000 taka in cash, 4.5 bhori of gold jewelry, four mobile phones, and other valuables.
At 3 AM on Thursday (May 1), another robbery occurred at the home of Abdul Hakim Miah in Dayakanda village of Bishnandi Union. Similarly, 15-20 masked robbers broke in and looted 24,000 taka, 1 bhori of gold jewelry, two mobile phones, and other valuables. Hakim Miah said the robbers held his entire family at gunpoint during the robbery.
On Sunday, April 27, around 2:30 AM, a robbery took place at the home of freedom fighter B.M. Kamruzzaman in Bara Binairchar of Brahmandi Union. CCTV footage shows 18-20 masked robbers, armed with locally made weapons, breaking into five rooms. They stole 2 bhori of gold jewelry, 20,000 taka in cash, an iPhone, and five Android mobile phones.
The sudden rise in thefts and robberies has caused widespread fear among residents.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Araihazar Police Station, Khondoker Nasir Uddin, said police are investigating each case. One robber named Arman was caught by locals and handed over to the police after a public beating. A case has been filed in that incident. No written complaints have been received regarding the other incidents.
Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police (C Circle), Mehedi Islam, said, “Perhaps the robbers took advantage of the OC’s transfer to become more active. We are investigating the incidents and taking action. Hopefully, the robberies will stop soon.”
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