Sundarbans pirate ‘Khanjahan’ held

Members of RAB-6 have arrested alleged pirate and armed criminal Azharul Islam, alias Khanjahan (40), during an operation in an area adjacent to the Sundarbans in Khulna.

Two locally made one-shooter firearms and 36 rounds of live ammunition were recovered during the operation.

According to a press release issued by RAB-6 on Friday, an operational team from its CPC Special Company conducted a special drive around 4:00 pm on Wednesday, acting on a tip-off.

The operation was carried out near the Sonamukundi Morl canal in Dakshin Betkashi Union of Koyra Upazila, where Azharul Islam, alias Khanjahan, was arrested.

RAB-6 said two locally made one-shooter firearms and 36 rounds of live ammunition were recovered from two separate polythene bags in his possession at the time of his arrest.

The recovered firearms and ammunition were seized following due legal procedures in the presence of witnesses.

The arrested Azharul Islam is the son of the late Joynal Khan of Joynagar village in Dakop Upazila of Khulna district.

According to RAB, he has long been known as an armed criminal and pirate operating in the Sundarbans region.

The force said a review of his criminal record revealed that multiple robbery cases had been filed against him with Koyra Police Station in Khulna and Shyamnagar Police Station in Satkhira.

RAB-6 said a case has been filed against the accused with Koyra Police Station under the Arms Act. He was later handed over to the police along with the recovered firearms and ammunition.

RAB said its operations will continue to bring convicted and wanted criminals, armed terrorists, drug traffickers, and others involved in serious crimes to justice.