Following the political shift in the country, Mohammadpur police's initial inaction emboldened criminals, triggering a wave of incidents involving theft, armed robbery, and weapon displays.
In response, law enforcement has launched a crackdown, and within the last three days, over 100 criminals have been apprehended in joint operations across Mohammadpur.
The intensified actions by police and security forces have forced key leaders of robbery rings into hiding, though local residents still express fear of these groups.
Residents report a significant rise in daytime muggings in Mohammadpur, spreading fear in the community.
They describe an atmosphere of fear and anxiety as adolescent gangs and armed criminals roam the streets at night, robbing citizens of valuable belongings at gunpoint in alleyways.
Between September and October, clashes between rival groups have claimed ten lives, including that of a child.
Mohammadpur police assure that the crackdown will continue relentlessly until all local crime, extortion, and drug hotspots are eradicated.
Law enforcement officials confirm that the gang leaders behind these criminal operations, including groups active around Mohammadpur's Teen Rasta, Chand Udyan, Lautola, and Bosila areas, have taken flight.
Notably, “Bhat Russel,” a prominent figure in the Mohammadpur robbery network, is reportedly evading capture. Meanwhile, the "Kobzikata Group" led by Anwar and key associates, notorious for terrorising Nawada, Dhaka Udyan, Nabinagar, and Adabor, have also gone underground. The group’s members, including Yunus, Rafat, Ahmed, Tushar, Bellal (alias Bhaigna Bellal), Naeem (alias Bhaigna Naeem), Rafi, and Mohan, are likewise in hiding.
The "Kobzikata Group," infamous for robbery, extortion, land grabs, and murder across Mohammadpur, has maintained influence with the support of a local BNP leader, despite previous affiliations with the notorious crime figure Badol.
Sources reveal that this leader has shielded gang members at his own residence, intending for Anwar and his associates to act against opposition as part of his city council election campaign strategy.
Meanwhile, Shahabuddin Shabu, a significant figure in illicit local activities, remains active in Mohammadia Housing with his two sons, Sajib and Sohan, who have continued to conduct armed muggings openly.
According to Mohammadpur police sources, since 27 October, joint forces have apprehended over 100 suspected muggers in Mohammadpur, recovering large quantities of locally made weapons, including machetes.
The operation also addressed ongoing drug-related violence in Geneva Camp, where two foreign-made pistols and 20 rounds of ammunition were seized, and seven drug dealers were arrested.
In a statement on the security situation, Mohammadpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Ali Iftekhar Hasan stated, “Our operation is ongoing. It will persist until all criminals are apprehended.” Noting the arrests over the last four days, Hasan added, “We have seized a significant cache of weapons and drugs from those detained.”
Mohammadpur Police Station has reported 63 mugging cases this month alone, reflecting the pressing need for continued action in the area.
