Man posing as journalist arrested with foreign pistol in Faridpur
Security officials said Jahir had been allegedly extorting money from shopkeepers and business owners in different areas of Kanaipur Union by introducing himself as a journalist and intimidating people with weapons, while evading law enforcement for a long time.
A man posing as a journalist was arrested with a foreign-made pistol and four rounds of ammunition during a joint forces operation in Faridpur today (21 January).
The arrestee has been identified as Md Jahir Mollah, 42, son of Latif Mollah of Bosunrasinghdia village under Kanaipur Union in Faridpur Sadar upazila.
According to army sources, the operation was carried out around 5 am in the Bosunrasinghdia area, led by the Faridpur Sadar Army Camp, following intelligence reports.
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A search of Jahir's house led to the recovery of one foreign pistol and four bullets.
Security officials said Jahir had been allegedly extorting money from shopkeepers and business owners in different areas of Kanaipur Union by introducing himself as a journalist and intimidating people with weapons, while evading law enforcement for a long time.
Investigators said he operated two Facebook pages—Bongo TV and Dainik Krishani Kantha—posing as a journalist without registration and used a motorcycle with a "press" sticker to carry out extortion.
The army said the suspect was also considered a potential threat to public order ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election, particularly in areas near polling centres. Based on this assessment, a joint operation involving members of the 15 Riverine Engineer Battalion, Madukhali Army Camp and Faridpur Kotwali police was conducted.
After the arrest, Jahir was handed over to Faridpur Kotwali Police Station for legal proceedings.
The joint forces said such operations against extortionists and criminal elements would continue on a regular basis to ensure public safety.
