3 arrested over ‘honeytrap’ robbery in Khilkhet
The gang had long been targeting young men by opening fake social media profiles in women’s names
Police have arrested three members of an organised gang on charges of luring a man through Facebook, allegedly holding him hostage and robbing him in the capital's Khilkhet area.
The arrestees were identified as Sagar Hawlader, 28; Nasif Ankon, 28; and Farhad Sohan, 33. Another member of the group, a woman identified as Hafiza, remains at large.
Muhammad Talebur Rahman, deputy commissioner (media and public relations) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) confirmed the matter on Sunday (1 March).
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According to police, the victim, Md Jasim Uddin, 38, a resident of Bashundhara Residential Area, became acquainted with a woman named Hafiza on Facebook. Their online interaction gradually developed into regular communication and friendship.
On 21 February, around 8:30pm, Hafiza allegedly asked Jasim to meet her at the north gate of Rajuk Market in Khilkhet. When he arrived, the three accused surrounded him as per a premeditated plan. They told him Hafiza was waiting at a restaurant on the fourth floor of the market and attempted to take him there.
Sensing something suspicious, Jasim refused to go. The accused then forcibly took him to the restaurant, allegedly confined him and physically assaulted him. They allegedly snatched his mobile phone, driving licence and Tk1,500 in cash.
The gang later demanded more money and provided a mobile number for further contact. Jasim subsequently filed a case with Khilkhet Police Station.
Police said that following the case, they analysed CCTV footage and technological data and arrested Sagar and Ankon in front of Rajuk Market around 6:30pm on 28 February.
Based on their information, Farhad Sohan was arrested later that night in an investigation in the Nikunja-2 area. The victim's driving licence was recovered during the drives.
Police said, during initial interrogation, the arrestees confessed that they, along with the absconding Hafiza, are active members of an organised fraud and robbery ring.
The gang had long been targeting young men by opening fake social media profiles in women's names, according to police.
