2 arrested over kidnapping, ransom racket targeting passengers on Dhaka's 300ft road
Police have arrested two alleged members of a gang accused of luring passengers into cars, abducting them and extorting ransom, following the kidnapping of a bank officer in Dhaka last month.
Highlights:
• Two alleged gang members arrested in separate raids
• Bank officer abducted after accepting lift to Kanchan Bridge
• Victim forced to pay Tk500,000 ransom before being released
• Police recover private car used in the crime
Police have arrested two alleged members of a gang accused of abducting passengers in private cars and extorting ransom on Dhaka's 300 feet road following the kidnapping of a bank officer.
The suspects, Md Subed Rana, 31, and Md Miron, also known as Sujon, 54, were arrested in separate raids.
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Speaking at a briefing at Khilkhet Police Station today (26 July), Deputy Commissioner of Police (Gulshan Division) M Tanvir Ahmed said the arrests were made in connection with a case filed by the victim.
"Subed Rana was arrested from the Mirpur-2 area of Dhaka. Based on information obtained during interrogation, police later arrested Miron from the Muktarpur area of Munshiganj sadar in the early hours today. Acting on information provided by the suspects, police also recovered the car allegedly used in the crime from the Monipur area of Mirpur," he added.
According to police, the incident took place on 21 June, when bank officer Mohammad Kamruzzaman was waiting near the BRTC counter at Kuril Bishwa Road for transport to Kanchan Bridge in Narayanganj.
Members of the gang allegedly approached him, offering him a ride in a private car.
Shortly after he boarded, several men allegedly restrained him, tied his hands behind his back and robbed him of Tk5,000 in cash and a Vivo mobile phone.
Investigators said the gang assaulted the victim and demanded Tk5,00,000 in ransom while driving him through different areas, including the 300-Foot corridor.
Kamruzzaman later contacted his colleague, Md Robiul Islam, who delivered the ransom money to Subed Rana beneath the footbridge adjacent to Kurmitola General Hospital, police said.
After receiving the payment, the gang allegedly released the victim near the Nila Market roundabout on the 300-Foot road at around 11:15am before fleeing.
The victim filed a case with Khilkhet Police Station the following day.
DC Tanvir said Miron has nine previous criminal cases against him, while Subed Rana has four.
Police believe the group has carried out similar kidnappings and ransom operations not only in Dhaka but also in other parts of the country, using the same tactic of targeting passengers travelling alone by offering them lifts in private cars.
