Tk2.98 lakh recovered from another flat of expelled SAD leader Riyad
The expelled student movement leader is already in police custody in an extortion case
Police have recovered Tk2.98 lakh cash from another flat linked to Abdur Razzak Bin Sulaiman Riyad, an expelled leader of the Students Against Discrimination (SAD) platform.
Police learned about the flat, located in Dhaka's Badda area, during the ongoing investigation, Gulshan Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Hafizur Rahman told The Business Standard today (31 July).
Riyad was arrested on 26 July in connection with an extortion case.
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"During our investigation, we got information about the flat and conducted a drive. A total of Tk2.98 lakh has been recovered from Riyad's room," the OC said.
"We believe Riyad acquired this money through extortion," he added.
Police are also investigating other possible locations where Riyad and his associates might have been involved in similar extortion activities.
Yesterday (30 July), law enforcers recovered cheques worth Tk2.25 crore from Riyad's residence after his arrest in connection with an extortion attempt at the home of a former Awami League lawmaker in Gulshan.
Riyad and three others were arrested on 26 July for allegedly attempting to extort Tk50 lakh from the residence of a former Awami League lawmaker in Dhaka's Gulshan. They are currently in police custody on a seven-day remand.
"Based on information provided by Riyad, police conducted a raid at his room in the capital's Nakhalpara area," said Talibur Rahman. "During the raid, four cheques amounting to Tk2.25 crore were recovered. A case will be filed in connection with the cheque recovery."
In response to questions, Talibur Rahman said police are investigating both the motive behind the extortion attempt and the reasons why the victims chose to comply.
"If the victims had informed law enforcement earlier, the crime might have been prevented. Nonetheless, we are also examining whether there were any lapses on the victims' part," he added.
Claiming that political affiliation is not the primary concern in the investigation, Talibur Rahaman said, "The probe is ongoing, and if anyone with political ties is found to be involved, they will be brought to justice."
