Drivers are involved in kidnapping rings

Mohammad Harun-or-Rashid, the Additional Commissioner (DB)

Kidnappings frequently occur across various regions of the country, including the capital city, Dhaka. The Lalbagh Division of the Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Branch (DB) has identified substantial connections between kidnapping gangs and numerous car drivers in a significant number of cases.

Mohammad Harun-or-Rashid, the Additional Commissioner (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, revealed this information during a press briefing at his Minto Road office in the capital on Saturday, February 3.

Referring to the abduction case of university student Himel, Harun-or-Rashid highlighted that the Lalbagh Division of the DMP DB was actively investigating the matter. In the course of the investigation, the police apprehended Himel's private car driver, who was identified as the mastermind behind the abduction.

The arrested driver, Samidul, engaged in discussions with an engineer in the Turag area before communicating with Mamun, the chairman of Dhobaura Union parishad in Mymensingh. The plan was to keep Himel at Mamun's house after the kidnapping. Subsequently, Himel was taken to Mamun's residence following the abduction. When Himel's family delayed the ransom payment, Mamun transported him to a mountain in the border area, where they subjected Himel to torture.

Harun-or-Rashid disclosed that Masud was apprehended by the DB's Lalbagh Division from Shariatpur's char region. Information obtained from Masud led the DB to deploy sources in Dhobaura, Netrokona, Durgapur, and Tanguar. These sources revealed that the perpetrators were not only involved in abductions but also engaged in smuggling activities. The victims were subjected to torture after being kidnapped, with Himel's photos and videos being sent to his mother.

The criminals demanded Tk 30 lakh from Himel's mother for her son's release. However, due to the intervention of the DB, they could not handle the situation. Eventually, the DB, with assistance from the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), arrested driver Samidul and four others, including Malek, who was accused in 17 cases. Consequently, the collaborative efforts of the DB and RAB led to the successful rescue of the victim, Himel.