Deceiving cops, handcuffed man accused in multiple cases escapes from Chattogram hospital

A man accused in multiple criminal cases escaped from Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH) yesterday (16 April) while undergoing treatment, police said.

The accused, Rafiqul Ahmad Mamun, 32, fled the hospital in handcuffs by deceiving two constables who were on duty at the time. 

He had been under police custody while receiving treatment at the hospital.

Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) officials said both constables – Mamun and Abdul Kadir – are being temporarily suspended over the incident, which has sparked disturbance within the police department.

Rafiqul faces a total of nine cases, including charges of arms possession, use of explosives, preparation for robbery, abduction, rape, and attempted murder.

CMP Assistant Commissioner Md Arif Hossain told The Business Standard, "We are conducting drives to capture the accused. We hope for a positive outcome soon."

He was arrested on 16 March from Samiraghona area in Ward-7 of Kalarmarchhara union under Moheshkhali upazila in Cox's Bazar, following an operation by the Bangladesh Coast Guard.

According to the Coast Guard, acting on a tip-off about preparations for a robbery, they conducted the operation that afternoon. As the team approached, the gang opened fire indiscriminately. 

The Coast Guard first fired blank rounds and urged the gang to surrender, but the robbers ignored the call and continued shooting. In the ensuing gunfight, Rafiqul was shot in the leg, and other members of the gang fled the scene, leaving him behind.

The Coast Guard arrested Rafiqul from the spot and recovered two locally-made firearms and several rounds of bullets. 

A case under the Arms Act was filed against him with Moheshkhali police station. He was initially admitted to Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital and later transferred to CMCH for further treatment.