Crime in Mohammadpur: Three shots fired as drug gangs clash

Three people, including a child, were injured yesterday in clashes between armed gangs at the Geneva camp in the capital Mohammadpur.

According to locals and police, clashes broke out between several drug gangs around 5 p.m. These lasted about three hours, during which time the three were shot.

The child, Sajjen alias Rahmat, 13, was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

Hafizur Rahman, Inspector (Investigation) of Mohammadpur Police Station, said they had deployed a large number of police personnel in the camp area.

“If necessary, additional police members will be sent there. We will soon conduct combing operations in the area to nab the criminals,” he added.

Shamsher Ali, Sajjen’s father, said his son left home to get water from a pump. “He was caught during the shootout and hit by a bullet on the way home.”

He said an armed gang led by Chua Selim has a long-standing feud with another gang led by Bunia Sohel over drug trafficking and establishing supremacy within the camp.

The Geneva camp and neighboring areas have recently become a hotspot for criminal activities such as gunfights, robberies, drug trafficking and murder.

On October 17, a Shanemaj, 37, was shot dead during a gunfight between two feuding groups in the Geneva camp.

On September 29, a joint team of the Bangladesh Army, Rab and police arrested 35 people, including a top drug dealer, and recovered arms and ammunition from the camp.

Police and locals say gun battles take place almost every day in the camp as rival groups battle for control of the drug sales sites. Many criminals are using firearms looted from Mohammadpur police station during the mass uprising.

Yesterday, locals, including students, held a demonstration in front of Mohammadpur police station, demanding improvement in law and order.

Protesters said the law and order situation in Mohammadpur did not return to normal after the fall of Hasina’s regime on August 5. They blamed a lack of police patrols for the poor law and order situation.

Inspector Hafizur said they could not patrol the entire neighborhood due to shortage of manpower and vehicles. “We try to carry out our duties with all the resources we have.”

JOINT TEAM LAUNCHES RAIDS

A joint team of Bangladesh Army and police conducted raids in Rayer Bazar, Basila, Dhaka Udyan and adjoining areas from around 6 pm and arrested 45 youths for their alleged involvement in robberies and robberies.

The team interrogated the detainees to verify their involvement in criminal activities.

“We are trying to identify the real perpetrators. Once we have evidence of their involvement in criminal activities, we will bring them to justice,” Hafizur said.