8 arrested over attack on ISP office in Chattogram
Police says several of those arrested have previous criminal cases, including extortion, human trafficking, illegal arms, narcotics and robbery.
Police have arrested eight people in connection with an attack, vandalism and looting at the office of internet service provider (ISP) Digital Dot Net (DDN) in the city's Chawkbazar area.
The arrested individuals were sent to court, while efforts are underway to identify and arrest others involved in the incident, Additional Commissioner (Crime) Muhammad Faisal Ahmed said at a press briefing at the CMP headquarters today (15 July).
He added that the arrests were made during overnight joint raids conducted by Chawkbazar Police Station, several CMP teams and RAB-7 under the direction of Police Commissioner Hasan Mohammad Shawkat Ali.
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The arrested individuals are Mohammad Yunus, Imran Hossain Chang, Akbar Hossain, Mohammad Sumon, Monir alias Keherman, Mohammad Gias Uddin, Mohammad Noyon and Mohammad Abdul Nahid alias Farhad.
According to police, on 11 July an individual identifying himself as "David Emon" allegedly demanded Tk 2cr as a one-time payment and Tk10 lakh in monthly extortion from the DDN owner via WhatsApp. After the demand was refused, threats were allegedly issued.
Police said that on 13 July, around 30–40 armed individuals entered the company's office in Chandanpura-Bakalia Access Road, intimidated staff and vandalised computers, laptops, office equipment, furniture and glass doors, causing an estimated Tk15 lakh in damage.
The attackers also allegedly looted Tk47,000 in cash, three Android mobile phones, a Canon printer and a shoulder bag belonging to a company director.
According to the case statement, the bag contained around Tk35 lakh kept for employee salaries.
A case has been filed over unlawful assembly, rioting, trespassing, vandalism, attempted extortion, theft, criminal intimidation and organised crime.
Police said several of those arrested have previous criminal cases, including extortion, human trafficking, illegal arms, narcotics and robbery.
Investigators will seek remand for further questioning.
Responding to questions from journalists, Faisal said police have not yet confirmed whether the person identifying himself as "David Emon" was actually linked to the extortion demand.
"We are verifying the claim. The matter will become clearer after interrogating the arrested suspects," he said, adding that police are trying to locate and arrest the individual regardless of whether he is in Bangladesh or abroad.
The police official also said investigators have used CCTV footage, local intelligence and other technical evidence to identify the arrested suspects, while the investigation remains ongoing.
