Police bust N’ganj-based gang that traveled to Mohammadpur for mugging

Published : Wednesday, 3 June, 2026 at 5:53 PM Count : 14

Police arrested two alleged professional muggers in connection with the robbery of two sisters who were deprived of their belongings at machete-point in front of their residence in the capital's Mohammadpur area.

The arrests were made following an investigation into the incident that took place in the early hours of 31 May, when the victims returned to Dhaka after spending Eid holidays in Thakurgaon.

Addressing a press briefing at the DMP Media Centre on Minto Road on Wednesday (3 June), Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Tejgaon Division Fazlul Karim said the arrestees had long been involved in organised mugging activities.

According to police, the two sisters arrived in front of their residence on Nurjahan Road at around 3:40am with luggage after travelling from Thakurgaon. At that time, three men arrived in a pickup truck and allegedly threatened them with machetes before fleeing with a trolley bag, a handbag and another bag containing valuables.

Police were informed of the incident through the national emergency service 999 and immediately launched an investigation. CCTV footage from nearby areas was collected, while one of the victims later filed a case with Mohammadpur Police Station.

ADC Fazlul Karim said police first arrested Jewel after identifying him in CCTV footage loading the stolen bags onto the pickup truck.

Based on information obtained from him, police conducted a raid in the Bandar area of Narayanganj and recovered the pickup vehicle and a machete used during the crime.

Police later arrested another suspect, Anwar, who was allegedly involved in carrying the stolen bags onto the vehicle.

The official said Jewel was carrying the machete during the robbery, while Anwar assisted in transporting the looted belongings.

Investigators have also identified another individual believed to be the mastermind behind the gang.

However, his identity has not been disclosed in the interest of the investigation.

Police said the suspects were once residents of Mohammadpur but later shifted their base to Narayanganj in an attempt to evade law enforcement scrutiny. From there, they regularly travelled to the capital to commit robberies.

A portion of the stolen items has been recovered, although a trolley bag and a mobile phone remain missing. According to police, one of the suspects instructed his wife to dispose of the trolley bag after learning that another gang member had been arrested, making its recovery difficult.

ADC Fazlul Karim said the pickup truck's owner and driver were also involved in the crime. Police have identified him and expect to make an arrest soon.

He further said police patrols have been strengthened in Mohammadpur and surrounding areas, particularly at bus stands and locations where passengers usually arrive during the early morning hours. Special drives are being conducted regularly to curb criminal activities.

"We want to assure city residents that there is no reason to panic. Dhaka Metropolitan Police remains committed to ensuring public safety," he said.

Meanwhile, a police official, requesting anonymity, claimed that the same gang was involved in another mugging on Tajmahal Road the day after the Nurjahan Road incident and may have been responsible for around 10 other similar crimes in the area.

Police are investigating the allegations.

FP/MI