Eight people have been arrested by the Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) in connection with an alleged extortion-driven attack, vandalism, and looting at the office of internet service provider Digital Dot Net (DDN) in Chattogram. Police said several of the arrestees have multiple previous cases, including charges related to extortion, illegal arms, narcotics, robbery, and dacoity.
The information was disclosed on Wednesday at a press briefing held at the CMP headquarters by Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Muhammad Faisal Ahmed.
The arrested individuals are: Md. Yunus (41), Imran Hossain Chang (31), Akbar Hossain (24), Md. Sumon (27), Md. Monir alias Keherman (38), Md. Gias Uddin (21), Md. Nayan (20), and Mohammad Abdul Nahid alias Farhad (28).
According to police, Md. Yunus has five previous cases, Imran Hossain Chang 12, Akbar Hossain six, Md. Sumon six, Md. Monir alias Keherman seven, and Md. Nayan eight.
Faisal Ahmed said that on July 11, the owner of DDN received a WhatsApp call from a person identifying himself as "David Imon," allegedly demanded a one-time payment of Tk 2 crore and a monthly extortion payment of Tk 10 lakh. The caller reportedly threatened the business owner after he refused to comply.
As a continuation of those threats, between 12 pm and 12.c\30 pm on July 13, a group of 30 to 40 armed individuals allegedly attacked DDN's office on the third floor of Mariam Heights in Monumiaji Lane under Chawkbazar Police Station.
The attackers allegedly intimidated employees and vandalized computers, laptops, printers, fingerprint machines, furniture, glass doors, and other office property, causing an estimated Tk 15 lakh in damage.
They also allegedly looted Tk 47,000 in cash from an office drawer, three Android mobile phones, a Canon printer, and a shoulder bag belonging to the company's director, Ariful Islam. According to the case statement, the bag contained approximately Tk 35 lakh had been kept for employees' salary payments.
Following the incident, a case was filed with Chawkbazar Police Station on July 13. Police said investigators, using intelligence information and technological surveillance, conducted raids that led to the arrest of the eight suspects.
Additional Commissioner Muhammad Faisal Ahmed said operations against extortionists and organized criminal groups will continue, adding that efforts are underway to identify and arrest the remaining suspects involved in the incident.