Police attacked in Ctg raid to arrest listed criminal ‘Boga’

Police were attacked with brickbats, bottles, and crude bomb-like explosives while trying to arrest listed criminal Wakel Hossain, better known as Boga, 42, in Chattogram's Khulshi area early today (4 September).

According to police, the incident took place near Wireless Mor and Pahartali, leaving at least five police members, including Khulshi Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Abdur Rahim, injured. A police vehicle was also vandalised.

Police said a team from Khulshi Police Station went to the area early in the morning to arrest Wakel. Sensing the police presence, his associates took position on the road and blocked the team's way.

At one point, they hurled brickbats, bottles, and crude bomb-like explosives at the police, damaging a police vehicle.

"We conducted an operation to arrest Boga. At that time, his followers hurled brickbats and crude bomb-like explosives at the police. Several police members were injured, and a government police vehicle was vandalised," OC Abdur Rahim said.

He also said police used three to four sound grenades and rubber bullets to bring the situation under control and in self-defence.

Following the attack, police conducted raids in several nearby lanes and later searched Wakel's house. During the search, they found a secret tunnel or escape route inside the house.

Police claimed Wakel escaped through the tunnel with the help of family members.

"During the operation, Boga threatened police officials over an audio call. The operation to arrest him is still underway," the OC said.

Wakel is a former joint convener of the Chattogram Metropolitan unit of the Jubo Dal. According to police and local sources, he has an active network of associates in the Khulshi-Pahartali area.

Police said he faces at least 17 cases over allegations including extortion, drug offences, land grabbing, and explosives.

He was expelled from the party post on 8 June for violating party discipline and allegedly trying to establish control over the area.

On 30 August, a case was filed against Wakel and six others over allegations that Pahartali College lecturer Mizanur Rahman was abducted and assaulted, and that the college principal was threatened in an audio call. Four to five others were also named as unnamed accused in the case. Wakel was named as the second accused.

Police said today's raid was conducted to arrest Wakel in connection with that case and others pending against him.