Police in Chattogram arrest 12 in crackdown on teen gangs

Twelve suspected members of several teen gangs were arrested with sharp weapons by Panchlaish police during a raid in Chattogram's Sholoshahar area last night (10 May). 

The arrests were made as part of an operation targeting at least four teen gangs believed to be involved in organised criminal activities across the port city.

According to police, the arrested individuals, aged between 18 and 21, were gathered at Finley Square around 10pm when the raid took place. Police, however, estimate that 30 to 35 other members fled the scene during the operation.

Three of the groups have been identified as 'Devil Sena', 'Black Hawk', and 'Gangster Star'. The other gang is yet to be identified. All four gangs are reported to be involved in extortion, drug trafficking, mobile snatching, and abduction.

Officers said these gangs are composed mainly of school and college students, allegedly operating under the guidance of senior criminals who remain behind the scenes.

The arrestees include Joy Das, 19; Jahid Hasan, 20; Aftahi Rahman Farhan, 21; Nadimul Haque, 20; Tamim Mahmud, 19; Maiz Uddin Siddiqui Akil, 19; Md Arman, 19; Ifsan, 19; Fazle Rabbi Mridul, 19; Imran Hossain Imon, 19; Md Nayan, 20; and Saikat Das, 20.

Panchlaish Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Solaiman said, "Many dismiss this as teenage mischief, but these gangs are committing serious crimes. The masterminds stay safe while exploiting teens. Stopping them has become urgent."

Police said some teens were lured into the gangs with promises of viral social media content and easy income, only to be coerced into criminal activities.

The groups reportedly use platforms such as TikTok and Facebook to post videos of members brandishing weapons or dancing with guns, gaining large followings and attracting new recruits.

Victims of these gangs are often students abducted on their way home from school or coaching centres. They are allegedly forced into vehicles playing loud music, taken to secluded locations, and subjected to beatings, blackmail or robbery.

The Chattogram Metropolitan Police has launched a regular operation to dismantle these gangs and protect students from being drawn into crime.

While law enforcement continues to arrest active members, police say that identifying and apprehending the masterminds remains a key challenge.