'Pay Tk2cr upfront, Tk10 lakh monthly to operate': Ctg ISP office attacked, Tk35 lakh 'looted' after extortion refusal

An internet service provider's office in Chattogram was attacked and vandalised by an armed group, with Tk35 lakh in cash reportedly looted, after the company refused to pay extortion money.

The incident took place around 12:30pm today (13 July) at the office of Digital Dot Net (DDN), located on the Chandanpura-Bakalia Access Road under Chawkbazar Police Station in Chattogram city.

The attack has caused concern among local businesses, while police have launched an investigation into the incident.

Chawkbazar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Nur Hossain Mamun said police are working to identify those involved in the incident.

"We have collected CCTV footage and other evidence. An operation is underway to arrest those responsible," he said.

According to DDN authorities, the attackers had earlier demanded Tk2 crore as a one-time payment and Tk10 lakh every month in extortion money. 

They claimed the attack was carried out after the company rejected the demand.

DDN owner Adil Bin Mamun said that two days before the attack, a person who identified himself as "David Emon" called him from a foreign number and demanded the money.

"The caller threatened that we would have to pay Tk2 crore initially and Tk10 lakh every month to continue operating the business. He also said our company would have to operate under their control from now on," Adil alleged.

He said the caller claimed to be a known figure in the area and threatened that the police commissioner would recognise him if shown his photograph. 

The caller also allegedly referred to several recent extortion and attack incidents in the city to intimidate him.

DDN Director Ridwanul Kabir said a group of 15-20 people carrying local weapons suddenly entered the office during working hours and began vandalising the premises.

"The attackers threatened employees and ransacked several rooms. They damaged computers, server equipment, mobile phones, furniture and other valuable items," he said.

He claimed the attackers took around Tk35 lakh kept at the office to pay employees' salaries. Several lakh taka worth of equipment was also damaged in the vandalism, he added.

CCTV footage from the office reportedly shows several individuals entering the premises with local weapons and smashing computers, monitors and other equipment. One person was seen striking devices with an axe-like weapon, while employees remained inside the office in fear during the attack.

After being informed, officials from Chattogram Metropolitan Police visited the scene.

A police source said preliminary investigations suggested that followers of fugitive criminal Sazzad Ali may have been involved. 

However, police officials said they would not make any definitive statement until the investigation is completed.

Police said several allegations of extortion attempts against businesses and entrepreneurs have been reported in Chattogram recently. Law enforcement agencies have continued operations against organised criminal groups involved in such activities.

DDN authorities said they are preparing to file a case over the incident. 

Police investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the attack, the exact amount of money stolen and the identities of those involved.