Staff Reporter :
Zane Alam Apu, a key suspect accused of extorting money from former Awami League lawmaker Shammi Ahmed, has been arrested by the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police.
Apu, who served as the joint convener of the Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad, was detained early Wednesday morning from Wari area of the capital.
The arrest was confirmed by DB Joint Commissioner Mohammad Nasirul Islam, who said Apu had been absconding since the extortion attempt came to light.
Following his arrest around 10am, Apu was taken to the DB office on Minto Road for questioning.
According to police, Apu and his associates posed as coordinators of the ‘Students Against Discrimination’ (SAD) movement when they went to Shammi Ahmed’s residence in Gulshan on 17 July.
At that time, Shammi was abroad, and the group allegedly held her husband, Siddiq Abu Zafar, hostage, threatening him and creating a tense situation in the house. They forcibly took Tk10 lakh as part of a Tk50 lakh extortion demand.
Police said the group was led by Apu, also known as Kazi Gaurab Apu, and Abdur Razzak Bin Sulaiman alias Riyad.
They returned to the residence on 19 July to press for the remaining Tk40 lakh.
On 26 July, the group attempted to collect another installment but walked into a trap laid by police. Five suspects Riyad, Ibrahim Hossain Munna, Sakadaun Siam, Sadman Sadab, and Aminul Islam were arrested on the spot, but Apu managed to escape.
All five detainees were active members of the ‘Students Against Discrimination’ and ‘Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad’. Both organisations expelled them following their arrests.
After the incident, Shammi Ahmed’s husband filed a case with Gulshan Police Station, naming six individuals including Apu.
Police say investigations are ongoing to ensure all involved are brought to justice.
