Nine arrested in Chattogram over extortion-linked office attack

Authorities have arrested nine youths in Chattogram city for their alleged roles in the vandalism and looting of the Digital Dot Net (DDN) office on July 13. The Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) stated that the attack was orchestrated after the internet service provider's owner refused to pay Tk 2 crore in extortion money, despite prior threats.

Commanding Officer Lt Col Hafizur Rahman of Rab-7 detailed at a press conference that the arrested individuals were directly involved in the destruction and theft. He further alleged that David Emon, also known as Mobarak Hossain Emon, directed the operation remotely via associates. Youths were reportedly recruited from various areas and divided into groups to execute the attack on the DDN office.

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Among the arrestees, Michel and two others recruited boys from Bakalia, Chandgaon and Raozan after Emon ordered them to carry out the attack on the DDN office to extort money.

Rab claims that one group monitored police and Rab movements while another group entered the office, vandalizing furniture and computers and looting cash and equipment. CCTV footage reportedly confirmed the arrestees' presence, and they have admitted involvement during initial interrogations. Rab is seeking to apprehend other individuals connected to the incident. The organization stated that Emon has alleged ties to Sazzad Ali, a gangster wanted by both Bangladesh Police and Interpol.

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After scrutinising the CCTV footage, we confirmed the arrestees' presence at the office, and during primary interrogation they also admitted their involvement. We are trying to arrest the others.