Two additional suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing of agro-farmer Chandan De and the theft of three cattle in Chandanaiash, Chattogram. The arrests follow an earlier apprehension of one suspect, bringing the total number of individuals taken into custody to three. According to police, the suspects are members of an organized robbery gang.

Arrests and Legal Proceedings

During a joint operation on Monday (2 March) by Chandanaiash and Chakaria police, Md Rubel, 30, son of Abul Kalam of Coral Khali area under Chakaria upazila in Cox’s Bazar, and Nasir Uddin alias Lamba Nasir, 45, son of late Ali Ahmed of Ward No 9, Chowar Phari, were apprehended. Remand applications were submitted to the court for both individuals.

Md Elias Khan, officer-in-charge of Chandanaiash Police Station, told The Business Standard that the arrested individuals face a total of 23 cases at different police stations, including charges of murder and robbery. ‘They have been produced before the court, and remand has been sought,’ he added.

Khan further stated that Md Rubel has 16 cases registered against him in various police stations across Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, and Bandarban. Nasir Uddin faces seven cases related to robbery, dacoity, murder, and other offences.

Incident Details and Investigation

According to police, the incident occurred at around 4:45am on 26 February in the Uttar Gachhbari area under Chandanaiash Municipality, where assailants attacked Chandan De at his residence, shot him dead, and fled with three cattle. The victim’s son, Chani, filed a case with Chandanaiash Police Station.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (Anwara Circle), Chattogram District Police, Md Sohannur Rahman Sohag, said, ‘They were arrested through coordinated operations as part of the investigation into the murder case. Legal proceedings are underway.’

The killing of Chandan De has raised concerns about the safety of agro-farmers in the region, particularly those involved in cattle rearing. The theft of three cattle from his property has also highlighted the growing issue of organized crime and livestock theft in the area.

Broader Implications and Public Concern

The arrests come amid a broader pattern of rising incidents of robbery and violence against rural communities in Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar. According to police statistics, there have been over 50 reported cases of cattle theft in the region in the past year, with a significant number of these cases linked to organized gangs.

Local residents have expressed concern over the increasing frequency of such crimes, with many fearing for the safety of their families and property. ‘We feel vulnerable,’ said one local farmer, who did not want to be named. ‘The police are doing their best, but we need more support and protection.’

Authorities have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that more arrests are expected in the coming days. The police are also considering strengthening security measures in rural areas to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

With the case now in the legal system, the next steps will involve the court’s decision on the remand applications and subsequent trial proceedings. The outcome of these legal actions could set a precedent for similar cases in the region.