Businessman shot in Ctg after refusing extortion demand

A businessman was shot and injured after armed assailants stormed his home in the Uttar Mohra area of Chandgaon late Friday night, allegedly over his refusal to pay extortion money.

The incident occurred around 11:00pm, according to police and local sources. 

The victim, Yusuf, had reportedly been receiving threats over the past few days from an unidentified group demanding a large sum of money.

Local residents and police said four to five armed men forcibly broke into Yusuf's house by smashing down the door and opened fire indiscriminately, targeting him and his family members. 

Yusuf sustained gunshot wounds in waist during the attack. He was rushed to Chattogram Medical College Hospital, where he underwent surgery. Hospital sources said he is now out of danger.

The assailants left bullet marks across the walls and furniture of the residence, indicating the intensity of the attack. 

"Criminals are becoming increasingly desperate. We fear for our safety," said a local resident, urging stronger action from the authorities.

Chandgaon Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Md Aftab Uddin, said police responded immediately and launched an investigation. "We have secured the safety of Yusuf and his family. Operations are underway to identify and arrest the perpetrators," he added.

A businessman in Jashore was allegedly extorted of Tk4 crore in two phases after being held at gunpoint and partially buried in sand, while in Chattogram, a trader was shot for reportedly refusing to pay extortion. 

Meanwhile, in Jashore, Tk4 crore was allegedly extorted from a businessman in Abhaynagar upazila in two phases – once at gunpoint and for a second time burying him in sand upto chest

The victim, Shahnewaz Kabir Tipu, owner of Jafredi Enterprise in Nawapara, went to Abhaynagar Police Station to file a complaint on 30 July. However, the victim claims police refused to register the case. Later, they filed a complaint with the Abhaynagar Army Camp on 31 July. 

Locals said a team of army personnel cordoned off a house in the town Bejpara area today for three hours to arrest the accused Jony. But failed to nab him as he fled the spot sensing their presence. 

According to the complaint, on 2 September last year, Tipu was taken to the office of Asaduzzaman Jony—the then organising secretary of Nawapara municipal BNP. Tipu was reportedly assaulted and held at gunpoint. 

As per Jony's demand, Tipu's wife transferred Tk2 crore the same day via the Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system to a company account linked to the accused.

On 18 September, Tipu was allegedly abducted again by Saikat and taken to Kona Eco Park. He was reportedly assaulted by Jony, Nawapara Press Club General Secretary Mofiz Uddin, and another person demanding another Tk2 crore. Moreover, he was allegedly buried in sand up to his chest during the ordeal.

Under threat, Tipu called his manager, who transferred Tk68 lakh from Pubali Bank and Tk32 lakh from South Bangla Bank to Mofiz's account via RTGS.

The extortionists also allegedly forced Tipu to issue a Tk1 crore cheque and sign six blank Tk100 stamp papers—three each in the names of Jony and another individual, Dilip Shaha. 

Jashore District BNP president Syed Saberul Haque Sabu said, "We had already expelled Jony for anti-party activities. The party has no link to any extortion, and we are not responsible for his personal actions."

Repeated attempts to contact Jony and Mofiz were unsuccessful, as their phones remained switched off.

Abhaynagar Police Station OC Abdul Alim said, "We have received a verbal complaint. We've asked the victim's wife to submit a written complaint, and action will be taken upon investigation."