Munshiganj (South) Correspondent 

Five robbers have been arrested by the Munshiganj Detective Branch (DB) Police for attempting a film-style highway robbery by setting up a barricade on the Dhaka-Mawa Expressway.

 The entire incident was captured on the vehicle’s camera, and the footage was later uploaded to Facebook by the car owner, going viral on social media. Based on the video, the police launched an investigation and, as announced in a police press briefing, managed to arrest the five robbers by Wednesday.

According to the briefing, on the night of May 5, at approximately 1:30 a.m., Md. Robiul Alam (30), son of Tota Mia from Bhodrason village in Shibchar police station of Madaripur district, was driving to Dhaka with an ailing neighbor and two others for medical treatment. Around 2:00 a.m., as they approached Chanbari Mor under Srinagar police station on the Dhaka-Mawa Expressway, Robiul took the left service lane due to traffic congestion on the main road. Near Shologhar, they came across a barricade made of thatch bundles.

As Robiul stopped the car, six armed robbers with local sharp weapons (locally known as "chen-da") suddenly emerged from roadside bushes and attacked the vehicle. One of them struck the car on the right side. However, the skilled driver quickly reversed the car and escaped. The robbers chased them, and one even threw a sharp weapon at the car in frustration, damaging the right side mirror and bonnet, but failing to stop it.

The entire incident was recorded on the car’s front-facing camera and was widely circulated on social and mainstream media. Upon seeing the footage, senior officers of Munshiganj District Police ordered a prompt investigation. Under the leadership of Sub-Inspector Abul Kalam Azad, the DB team analyzed the footage and launched a manhunt.

From the afternoon of May 6 to 1:00 p.m. on May 7, the team conducted continuous operations across different areas of Dhaka district, ultimately arresting five suspects. Weapons used in the attack and the clothing worn during the robbery were also recovered. All five suspects confessed to their involvement, and legal proceedings are underway.

It was mentioned  in the briefing that the gang leader, Md. Kamal alias CNG Kamal (40), and his team had committed a similar robbery at a nearby location on the same expressway last September. During that incident, they stole gold jewelry, cash, and a licensed firearm. A case was filed with Srinagar Police Station (Case No. 23, dated 27/09/2024 under Penal Code sections 395/397). After being arrested and released on bail, they committed this latest crime.

The arrested robbers are: Md. Kamal alias CNG Kamal (40), son of late Fazal Ali, from Tila village, Rangabali police station, Patuakhali ;  Md. Ismail Sardar (38), son of Khalil Sardar, from Naya Bhagguri village, same police station  and  Md. Ramzan Bepari (27), son of late Kanchon Bepari, from Auliarchar village, Kalkini, Madaripur ; Md. Russel Molla (24), son of Shah Alam Molla, from Uttar Kachamaya village, Kalapara, Patuakhali and  Md. Limon Matbor (20), son of Sarwar Hossain, from Atyipur village, Madaripur Sadar .