Police arrest armed extortionist in Noakhali following home invasion
Police in Noakhali have arrested a 31-year-old man following a brazen armed extortion attempt at a private residence in the district town of Maijdi. The suspect, identified as Anwar Hossain, alias Titu, was apprehended on Tuesday afternoon after allegedly holding a migrant worker’s wife at gunpoint and demanding 10 lakh taka in ransom.
According to police, the incident unfolded around 4:45 p.m. at a fourth-floor apartment in Haque Mansion, located in Ward 1 of the Noakhali municipality. Three armed men gained entry to the home of 18-year-old Naima Akter, where they threatened the family with death to coerce them into paying the extortion money. During the ordeal, the assailants forced the victims to sign blank stamp papers and seized 27,000 taka in cash.
The victims managed to alert the Sudharam Model Police Station during the encounter. In response, a tactical team led by Additional Superintendent of Police (Sadar Circle) Md. Liakat Akbar and Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Nazrul Islam surrounded the apartment complex.
Hossain, a resident of Jahanabad village in Begumganj upazila, was captured by officers while attempting to flee via the building’s staircase. A search of his person revealed a foreign-made pistol, five rounds of ammunition, 40 yaba tablets, and the 27,000 taka stolen from the residence. Two mobile phones were also seized. While the suspect was taken into custody, two of his accomplices managed to evade capture, leaving behind two motorcycles that police have since impounded.
Investigations reveal that Hossain is a repeat offender with seven prior cases filed against him at Begumganj Police Station involving firearms, explosives, and narcotics. OC Nazrul Islam confirmed that the victim’s family has filed formal charges against him under the Arms and Narcotics Control Acts. Authorities have launched an ongoing operation to locate and arrest the two remaining suspects.
