Robbers loot Tk30,000 from ambulance carrying patient in Kushtia

Robbers stopped a patient-carrying ambulance in Kushtia's Daulatpur upazila by felling a tree and snatched around Tk30,000 from the patient's relatives after holding them hostage with sharp weapons.

The incident took place in Pipulbaria Maath area of Khalishakundi union in the early hours today (19 September).

Daulatpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Solaiman Sheikh said they were aware of the robbery and had visited the scene.

"However, we have not yet received any complaints. If a complaint is filed, an investigation will be conducted, and necessary action will be taken," he said.

According to local sources, Liton, a stroke patient, was being taken from Daulatpur Upazila Health Complex to Kushtia Sadar Hospital.

Around 1am, the ambulance was blocked when robbers felled a tree across the road in front of a passenger shelter.

Five to six men armed with sharp weapons then forced the driver and passengers at knifepoint to hand over their money.

Ratan, the ambulance driver, said the robbers held a weapon to his neck and took the money.

"There were four of us in the car: the patient, his relatives, and me. Before leaving, they threatened us not to tell anyone anything," he said.

Jalal, a relative of the patient, said, "We told the driver to go to Kushtia via Katlamari, but he took that route. Suddenly, the robbers stopped us and snatched about Tk30,000."

The patient was later admitted to Kushtia Sadar Hospital around 2am.

Dr Touhidul Hasan Tuhin, Daulatpur Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, said Liton had been referred to Kushtia for better treatment after suffering from diabetes and heart-related complications.

"An incident like a robbery on the way is very alarming," he added.