Leader of 'Kobji Kata' gang Anwar among 3 arrested: RAB

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested three individuals yesterday near the Dhaka Central Jail area in Keraniganj for their involvement in criminal activities.

According to RAB, one of the arrested individuals is Anwar Hossain, 36, the notorious leader of the "Kobji Kata" gang, which operated in the Mohammadpur-Adabor areas of the capital. 

The other two arrested are Md Imon, 20, and Md Farid, 27, both of whom are Anwar's associates.

RAB disclosed the details during a press conference today at the RAB Media Centre in Karwan Bazar, Dhaka.

The gang, comprising mostly teenage members, was involved in extortion and robbery in areas such as Mohammadpur, Bosila, and Nabinagar Housing. 

Victims who resisted were brutally attacked, with some having their wrists severed. The gang recorded these horrifying acts on mobile phones and posted them on platforms like TikTok to spread fear.

Despite multiple arrests of gang members, Anwar, known as "Shooter Anwar" or "Kobji Kata Anwar," had evaded capture for years. He faces numerous cases, including murder, attempted murder, robbery, and extortion.

Anwar's criminal journey

At the press conference, RAB-2 Commander Additional Deputy Inspector General Md Khalidul Haq Howlader said, "Anwar arrived in Dhaka from Bagerhat in 2005 seeking work. He started work in water supply services but soon became involved in robbery and extortion at bus stands. In 2024, he formed the violent 'Kobji Kata' gang."

The officer added, "If anyone resisted their crimes, Anwar ordered teenage gang members to attack them viciously, often severing their wrists and sharing videos of the brutality on social media, causing widespread panic."

Expanding the gang network

To evade capture, Anwar frequently went into hiding and used disguises. He later formed a new group comprising more teenage members. 

The gang operated across areas such as Dhaka Udyan, Chad Udyan, Nabinagar Housing, Adabor, Shekhertek, and Nabodoy Housing, engaging in murder, drug and arms trafficking, extortion, and robbery.

The RAB-2 commander also said, "The gang planned their attacks meticulously. They would create traffic jams, destroy CCTV cameras, and block roads before ambushing their targets in a film-style assault. Victims often suffered severe injuries, including the loss of limbs."

In the past few months, 7-8 people have suffered grievous injuries, some losing limbs and others becoming permanently disabled. Fear of retaliation forced many victims to flee or remain silent without filing complaints.

The first case against Anwar was filed in 2019 at Adabor Police Station. Despite facing multiple charges of murder, attempted murder, extortion, and land grabbing, he secured bail and resumed his criminal activities, becoming more ruthless.

RAB-2 stated that they are verifying crucial information obtained from Anwar and will continue operations to apprehend other members of his gang. Legal proceedings against the arrested Anwar are currently underway.