Two held over brick attack on motorcyclist

Police have arrested two men over a planned attack on a motorcyclist in Dhaka’s Kafrul area, an incident that drew widespread attention after video footage of the assault circulated on social media.

The arrested suspects were identified as Md Parvez, 30, and Anwar Hossain Babu, 32. Police said two other alleged participants in the attack – Md Faisal alias Kalu and Amin – are currently absconding and efforts are underway to apprehend them.

The case was solved through analysis of CCTV footage and information technology-based investigation conducted by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). Speaking at a press briefing at the DMP Media Centre on Friday, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Mirpur Division) Mostak Sarkar said the incident occurred at around 1:20am on June 10 on Ibrahimpur Road, roughly 100 yards east of the Purba Shewrapara bus stand.

According to investigators, victim Rafi was riding home on his motorcycle when he was attacked. Police said the suspects, motivated by prior hostility, targeted him by throwing a brick that struck the right side of his head, causing him to lose control of the motorcycle and crash onto the road.
A case was subsequently filed with Kafrul Police Station.

Through video analysis and other investigative methods, police identified four individuals allegedly involved in the attack. On June 11, Parvez was arrested near the Indian border under Dhobaura Police Station in Mymensingh district, while Babu was detained from the Ibrahimpur area of the capital.

Police also recovered the victim’s motorcycle from a nearby location where it had been left after the incident.

Investigators said Parvez had previously been a tenant in Rafi’s house, leading to a prior acquaintance between the two. Police alleged that Parvez and his associates later became involved in drug dealing in the locality, resulting in disputes with the victim.

According to police, an argument took place between Rafi and suspects Parvez and Kalu a day before the attack. The suspects allegedly threatened Rafi afterwards and later waited for him in the Purba Shewrapara area.

Police said Amin attempted to obstruct the motorcycle when Rafi arrived. As he continued riding, Parvez allegedly threw a brick that hit him in the head.

Following the assault, the suspects allegedly tried to deceive local residents by claiming that a brick had fallen from above and injured the victim. They then transported the injured man in an auto-rickshaw and abandoned him in the Ibrahimpur area before fleeing, police said.

Investigators further said both Parvez and fugitive suspect Kalu have multiple drug-related cases filed against them at various police stations in Dhaka.
Further legal proceedings are underway.