RAB arrests 10 in Mohammadpur, including key accused in viral Shyamoli mugging

Amid a series of complaints over teen gangs, mugging and criminal activities in Mohammadpur, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)-2 has arrested 10 people in special drives across the capital.

The arrested include seven teen gang leaders and muggers, a fugitive sentenced to life imprisonment, a drug dealer and a top criminal, RAB said.

The drives were conducted yesterday (26 August) in Mohammadpur, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Tejgaon Industrial Area and surrounding areas, according to RAB-2.

Key accused in viral Shyamoli mugging arrested

RAB said a video of a daring daylight mugging in Shyamoli went viral on social media in April.

Mohammad Nayan, 28, identified as the main accused in the incident, was arrested from the Nabinagar Housing area under Mohammadpur Police Station yesterday.

According to RAB, Nayan admitted during preliminary interrogation that he was an active member of an organised mugging gang.

He had allegedly been involved in mugging, robbery, theft and other crimes with his associates in Mohammadpur, Adabor and other parts of the capital for a long time, RAB said.

'Patali Group' teen gang leader among those arrested

On the same day, RAB-2 conducted a special anti-teen-gang operation in Mohammadpur's Sat Masjid Housing area.

Mohammad Alam, 24, an alleged teen gang leader and mugger associated with the 'Patali Group', was arrested with a samurai sword.

RAB also arrested drug dealer Mohammad Sabuj Hossain, 35, from the Beribadh area of Mohammadpur with 190 yaba tablets.

On Tuesday night, RAB arrested Mohammad Fahim Hossain, 24, a fugitive who had been sentenced to life imprisonment, from the Old Trade Fair ground area in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.

Sajal, 22, a recognised teen gang leader and mugger, was arrested from Humayun Road, while another Sajal, 24, who is accused in multiple cases, was arrested from Sat Masjid Housing.

Meanwhile, top criminal Mohammad Jahangir Hossain alias Bhutto, 34, was arrested from the Tejgaon Industrial Area.

Mohammad Abir alias Miraj, 22, was arrested with a samurai sword from Bashek Khan Road, known locally as Cancer Goli, in Rayerbazar, Mohammadpur, while allegedly preparing for a mugging.

From West Katasur, RAB arrested Mohammad Hridoy alias Jack, 22, an active member of the 'Mukul Group', and Mohammad Shawon, 22, with a samurai sword and a Chinese axe.

Several of the arrested have previous cases

According to RAB, Mohammad Alam has a case filed under the Speedy Trial Act with Mohammadpur Police Station, while Sabuj Hossain has a case under the Narcotics Control Act with Hazaribagh Police Station.

Sajal, 22, has two cases with Tejgaon Industrial Area and Sher-e-Bangla Nagar police stations over theft and robbery.

Sajal, 24, has three cases with Mohammadpur Police Station involving drugs and robbery.

Jahangir Hossain alias Bhutto has nine cases with Tejgaon, Tejgaon Industrial Area and Banani police stations under the Narcotics Control Act, RAB said.

RAB-2 Commander Naimul Hasan said, "Operations against teen gangs, muggers and criminal groups in Mohammadpur and surrounding areas are continuing. Criminals who have recently been operating in organised groups and disrupting public safety are being identified and brought to justice."

He said the key accused in the Shyamoli mugging that drew attention on social media had been arrested, while teen gang leaders and muggers were also detained in operations across Mohammadpur.

"If anyone with a criminal history becomes involved in criminal activities again, legal action will be taken against them," he added.

RAB-2 said legal proceedings against the arrested individuals are underway.

A recent investigation by The Business Standard highlighted various aspects of the growing influence of teen gangs, mugging groups and other criminals in the area.