Arman arrested in Khulna with firearms

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested Arman Hossain Dipu, a suspected criminal and alleged leader of the ‘Arman Bahini’, with firearms and ammunition in Faridpur’s Boalmari on Sunday.

RAB-6 arrested Arman, known as ‘Shooter Arman’, from the Boalmari police station area. He is the son of Md Asaduzzaman of Maheshwarpasha in Khulna’s Daulatpur area.

At a press briefing on Monday, RAB-6 Deputy Commander Major Nazmul Islam said Arman had long been involved with a criminal group operating in Khulna’s Aranghata area before forming his own group.

The group, which is believed to have eight to 10 members, allegedly carried out criminal activities, extortion and intimidation and displayed firearms in Daulatpur, Khalishpur, Aranghata, Dighalia and surrounding areas, creating fear among local residents.

According to RAB, members of the group allegedly contacted businessmen through WhatsApp using foreign phone numbers to demand extortion. Those who refused to pay were allegedly threatened with violence, closure of their businesses and murder.

RAB also said Arman admitted during initial questioning to involvement in an attempt to kill two worshippers who were shot inside a mosque in Daulatpur on June 17.

Major Nazmul said several cases, including murder and attempted murder, have been filed against Arman with different police stations in Khulna Metropolitan area. These include cases over the murders of Mamun Molla in 2021, Marjan Munna in 2022, and Ghaura Rajib and Jubo Dal leader Rasu this year. He is also a suspected accused in several other murder cases.

Based on information provided by Arman after his arrest, RAB recovered a foreign-made pistol, two shotguns and 12 rounds of shotgun ammunition allegedly used by him and his associates.

sks