12 police injured in gunfight during Raozan operation, 1 arrested

Twelve police personnel were injured in an exchange of fire during an operation against terrorists and extortionists in Raozan, Chattogram, while police arrested a man who was shot in the leg.

The arrestee, Dildar Hossain, 37, was taken into custody after receiving initial treatment, Chattogram District Police Superintendent Masud Alam said at a press conference today (1 October).

The incident took place around 10:30pm yesterday (30 September) in Barua Para of Joynagar, South Kadolpur, under Ward 9 of Kadolpur Union in Raozan.

Police recovered two locally made light guns (LGs), 119 rounds of Chinese-rifle ammunition, six lead cartridges, four machetes, two vests and two ammunition pouches from the scene and Dildar's possession.

According to police, a group led by Md Jane Alam, alias Dakat Alam, and Mohammad Aziz, alias Aziz Boss, has been involved in extortion and other criminal activities in the area.

Police received a complaint on 25 September that the group had demanded extortion money from Raozan resident Abu Bakkar over the phone and later threatened him at his home.

Acting on the complaint, a team led by the officer-in-charge of Raozan Police Station went to an area near Jane Alam's residence on Wednesday night.

Police said members of the group opened fire from inside a house after detecting the team's presence. Officers returned fire in self-defence, triggering an exchange of gunfire.

"Police members returned fire in self-defence and brought the situation under control. During the ensuing scuffle, 10 to 12 of our members were injured," SP Masud said.

The injured personnel were taken to hospital and were in stable condition after receiving initial treatment, he said. None was hit by bullets, although police said they had been directly targeted.

Several members of the group fled during the exchange of fire, while Dildar was unable to escape after being shot in the leg. Police arrested him and took him into custody following initial treatment.

Masud said police had gathered information about the group's activities during preliminary questioning of Dildar. They would seek remand after producing him before a court, he added.

"They may have more heavy weapons. We will collect information on the matter and conduct an operation soon," the SP said.

"We are not concerned about which group someone belongs to. Operations will continue against those involved in armed criminal activities and extortion," he added.

The SP said police had arrested several members of the Rayhan group, which had previously been active in Raozan, weakening its presence in the area. Taking advantage of the situation, the group led by Dakat Alam and Aziz Boss was allegedly attempting to become active, he said.

Earlier, three people were arrested in Kadolpur late on Tuesday night (29 September) on suspicion of preparing to commit a robbery. Police recovered a locally made LG, two lead cartridges, a machete and a knife from them.

Two cases were filed in connection with the incident, one for preparation to commit robbery and the other under the Arms Act. Police said one of the three arrestees was a close associate of the Rayhan group.

Masud said operations against armed criminals and extortionists had been prioritised, while regular drives against drugs and juvenile gangs were also continuing.