Attackers unidentified, no arrests 24 hours after attack on Ctg ISP office
Police said efforts are underway to identify the attackers by analysing CCTV camera footage, and technological and other evidence.
Police have yet to identify the attackers or detain anyone, even though more than 24 hours have passed after a case was filed over the attack, vandalism, and looting at the office of internet service provider Digital Dot Net (DDN) on Chandanpura-Bakalia Access Road under Chawkbazar Police Station in Chattogram.
The company alleged that two days before the attack, a man identifying himself as "David Emon" threatened its officials while claiming the Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) commissioner knows him very well. Emon had demanded a one-time payment of Tk2 crore and a monthly extortion fee of Tk10 lakh.
Police said efforts are underway to identify the attackers by analysing CCTV camera footage, and technological and other evidence.
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DDN Executive Officer Nasir Uddin today (14 July) told The Business Standard, "As of the day after the incident, police had neither identified nor arrested anyone. We filed a case against 30 to 40 unidentified individuals.
"The attackers took two of our mobile phones. We have provided the police with the IMEI number and SIM information of one phone. They should be able to identify the perpetrators using this information."
Nasir alleged that despite police claiming to be conducting operations, no visible progress had been made. CCTV footage submitted by the company clearly shows several attackers, yet no effective action has been taken, he added.
"Footage from a nearby building later showed the attackers arriving in an ambulance. We are collecting additional footage ourselves to identify the vehicle's registration number. It does not appear police have taken effective steps in this regard," he added.
Expressing concern over security after the attack, Nasir said, "Although we requested a 24-hour police security, officers stayed only overnight and left around 11am or noon the following day. We do not know why they left. The failure to identify the attackers after such a major incident has heightened our concerns."
Rejecting the allegations, Chawkbazar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Nur Hossain Mamun told TBS, "The case was filed last night [13 July]. Since the incident, we have not remained idle for a single second. Our operations have been continuing."
He said no suspects have yet been named in the case.
Police are analysing CCTV footage, technological evidence and other information to identify those responsible.
Asked about the investigation's progress, the OC said, "I am currently on an operation. For the sake of the investigation, I cannot disclose further details at this moment. The media will be informed when appropriate."
Responding to social media discussions that the accused had been using the CMP commissioner's name, CMP Assistant Commissioner (Public Relations) Amirul Rashid told TBS, "The accused has repeatedly invoked the commissioner's name, but that does not imply any connection with him. Under the commissioner's instructions, we are making every effort to arrest him."
He added, "The necessary Interpol procedures are also underway."
Responding to the company's allegation that police protection had been withdrawn after the attack, Amirul said, "Security has not been withdrawn. Although police personnel may not always be visibly deployed, surveillance continues. Not all security measures are carried out openly. The situation is being monitored using police tactics, and operations are ongoing."
Regarding allegations that "David Emon" has been operating a criminal network in Chattogram from abroad, he said, "He is using foreign phone numbers and various technologies, posing challenges to the investigation. Nevertheless, efforts to arrest him and his associates are ongoing."
The case was filed by the company's accounts officer, Minhajul Islam, with Chawkbazar Police Station against 30 to 40 unidentified individuals.
Earlier, around 12pm yesterday, an organised criminal group attacked the DDN office after the company officials refused to pay Tk2 crore in extortion.
According to the case statement, the attackers carried out extensive vandalism and looted approximately Tk35 lakh.
