Ashulia (Savar) Correspondent

A gunfight broke out between police and a group of armed criminals led by notorious gangster "Shooter Bappi" after they allegedly held a woman hostage and demanded Tk 14 million in extortion in Ashulia's Jamgora area on Saturday.

No casualties were reported, although the incident triggered panic among local residents and business owners.

The incident occurred at around 11:30 a.m. inside a multi-storey commercial building owned by Sharif Chowdhury in the Jamgora Chourasta area of Ashulia.

According to police and local sources, the gang allegedly lured the building's manager, Lima, out of her office at gunpoint, took her hostage, and confined her to a room on the fifth floor of the building. The assailants then demanded Tk 14 million from the building owner as extortion.

After receiving information, a team from Ashulia Police Station entered the building to rescue the hostage. Police said the suspects opened fire on the officers, prompting police to return fire in self-defence. Taking advantage of the chaotic situation, the armed men managed to flee the scene.

Senior police officials later arrived with additional personnel and brought the situation under control. The building houses several banks and business establishments on its lower three floors, while the fourth floor is used as the owner's private residence and the fifth floor operates as a resort.

Local business owners said several rounds of gunfire caused widespread panic in the area, raising serious concerns over public safety.

Lima, the victim, and the building owner's wife alleged that the criminals held her hostage, demanded Tk 14 million, and threatened to kill her if the ransom was not paid.

Building owner Sharif Chowdhury said he had known Shooter Bappi in the past and had previously maintained a relationship with him, but insisted that they no longer have any contact or association.

After inspecting the scene, Additional Superintendent of Police (Savar Circle) Jahangir Alam said the incident was primarily an extortion attempt based on the victim's complaint.

Police have collected evidence from the scene and launched a drive to arrest those involved.