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Tuesday | September 29, 2026 | Dhaka
Accused flees police custody

5 personnel suspended over ‘Picchi Raja’ escape

 Staff Reporter
 Published: 12:01 AM, 29 September 2026

The escape of a man accused in 25 cases while in police custody has raised fresh concerns over security and law enforcement, after he reportedly slipped away by asking to use a bathroom while being taken back to jail following a court appearance in Dhaka.

Five police personnel, including officers at different levels and the driver of the escort vehicle, have been temporarily suspended over the incident. A three-member committee has also been formed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the escape.

Gazipur Metropolitan Police’s acting commissioner, Mohammad Taherul Haque Chowhan, disclosed the developments at a press briefing on Monday afternoon.

The fugitive, Raja, alias “Picchi Raja” and “Badsha”, escaped on Sunday evening while being taken back to Kashimpur Central Jail-1 in Gazipur after appearing before a Dhaka court.

According to prison sources, Raja was taken to Dhaka in a prison van on Sunday morning for a hearing at the Dhaka Metropolitan Court. Following the hearing, he was being escorted back to Kashimpur Central Jail-1.

When the vehicle reached the Naojor area of Gazipur, Raja asked to use a bathroom. The police officer responsible for escorting him took him to a nearby bathroom, where Raja allegedly took advantage of the opportunity and escaped.

The incident has prompted disciplinary action against the police personnel responsible for his custody and raised questions over the security arrangements during the transfer of a high-profile accused.

“The five people, including officers at various levels and the vehicle’s driver, have been suspended, and a three-member investigation committee has been formed,” Chowhan said.

Md Nazrul Islam, senior jail superintendent of Kashimpur Central Jail-1, said Raja was being held in connection with a case filed under the Explosives Act.

Raja is the son of Motaleb of House 117, Block A, Geneva Camp in Mohammadpur, Dhaka. He is also known as “Badsha”.

Police describe Raja as a leading drug trafficker in the Mohammadpur area. He was arrested on May 19 this year after police received information that he, his wife and his brother-in-law were returning to Bangladesh from Nepal.

Police had positioned personnel at the airport and, with the assistance of immigration officials, took the three into custody following their arrival in Bangladesh.

The investigation committee is expected to examine how Raja was able to leave police custody during the return journey, including the escort arrangements and the actions of personnel responsible for his security.