Handcuffed criminal who escaped from police custody in Ctg hospital recaptured
Police’s preliminary investigations suggest Rafik’s escape was facilitated by Ziaur Rahman, a notorious criminal from Kalarmarchhara with 15 cases against him, including charges of murder, robbery, and rape
A handcuffed criminal, accused in over a dozen cases, who escaped from police custody in Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH) on Wednesday evening (16 April) has been recaptured in less than 24 hours.
He was recaptured by police in Pekua Upazila of Cox's Bazar at around 7pm yesterday (17 April).
Rafikul Ullah alias Kata Rafik, a key figure in Moheshkhali's criminal underworld, was arrested from his stepsister's residence in Bainyakhali under Ward No 2 of Pekua, following a joint operation by Panchlaish and Pekua police.
Panchlaish Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Solaiman said, "After escaping the hospital, Rafik did not return to his home in Moheshkhali but sought refuge at his stepsister's house in Pekua. We brought him back to Chattogram last night."
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"Using our sources and technology, we recaptured him within 24 hours of his escape," he added.
Police said preliminary investigations suggest Rafik's escape was facilitated by Ziaur Rahman, a notorious criminal from Kalarmarchhara with 15 cases against him, including charges of murder, robbery, and rape.
Zia, who was arrested on 14 November 2024 with a stolen foreign pistol and 24 rounds of ammunition, was released on bail on 28 March and reportedly resumed his criminal activities. He allegedly helped Rafik escape.
Rafik, implicated in nearly a dozen cases involving murder, rape, and robbery, now faces a new case filed at Panchlaish police station for his escape.
Police are continuing investigations to uncover further details about the escape and Zia's involvement.
Rafik, son of Mofizur Rahman from Moheshkhali, was initially apprehended on 16 March during a Coast Guard operation targeting a gang planning a robbery.
The group opened fire on the Coast Guard, who returned fire, resulting in Rafik being shot and injured.
Authorities also recovered two firearms, two rounds of ammunition, and several homemade weapons during his arrest.
Rafik was first treated at Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital, but as his condition worsened, he was transferred to CMCH, where he was under police custody.
On 16 April, Rafik managed to escape while undergoing treatment and guarded by two Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) constables, triggering widespread criticism.
The two constables — Mamun and Abdul Kadir — were suspended for negligence.
