‘Snatching Gang’ Resurfaces in Dhaka, Raising Fresh Security Concerns

Police, DB failing to contain them, causing panic | RAB still unaware who pulled Ranjina’s bag | 2 arrested | More than 200 criminals active in 40 groups

Sakhawat Hossain

More than 200 criminals from 40 groups involved in snatching bags, mobile phones and valuables from moving vehicles, rickshaws and pedestrians are operating across Dhaka. The criminals use illegal firearms and sharp locally made weapons. They target handbags and jewellery carried by pedestrians and rickshaw passengers and flee within moments. Those who resist or try to stop them are sometimes killed or seriously injured.

The criminals roam the capital’s roads on motorcycles and in private cars, while police and the Detective Branch (DB) are failing to contain them. The rise in snatching incidents has caused panic among residents. Most recently, early Saturday, Ranjina Parvin, a headteacher at a primary school in Bogura, was killed in a brutal snatching incident in front of the National Parliament building. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested two people in connection with the incident.

Residents say they fear travelling on foot, particularly from evening until dawn, as snatching incidents are occurring even in broad daylight. At least 200 victims of snatching have received treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital and Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital over the past two months. However, many victims are reluctant to file cases to avoid dealing with the police.

Several victims told the Daily Inqilab that snatching gangs take positions at deserted intersections and roads across the city late at night and in the early morning. They target men and women travelling by rickshaw. When there are few vehicles nearby, the criminals suddenly approach and snatch bags and valuables.

Sohag Mia, who works at a private company, told the Daily Inqilab that he and a friend were recently travelling by rickshaw from Asad Gate towards Shyamoli. On a road opposite Ganabhaban, a young man on a motorcycle came close to them. Before he could understand what was happening, the man pulled his bag, causing him to fall onto the road. Fortunately, the snatcher failed to take the bag. Mr. Sohag said he narrowly escaped a major accident.

Early Saturday, another woman was travelling by rickshaw from Dhanmondi towards Mohammadpur’s Sat Masjid area. A car stopped beside her on the way. Before she could understand what was happening, the driver reached out and violently pulled her vanity bag. Fortunately, she did not fall from the rickshaw.

Snatching gangs have become increasingly active on several routes, including City College-Mohammadpur, Dainik Bangla-Motijheel, Banani-Kuril, various roads in Dhaka University, Nilkhet-Lalbagh, Dhanmondi-Parliament area, roads in front of the Parliament building, Mirpur-1 to Mirpur-10, Zoo Road, Kachukhet, Dayaganj-Jatrabari, the area in front of the Gulistan shrine, Farmgate, Malibagh-Moghbazar, Moghbazar rail crossing-Rampura Bridge, Rampura Bridge-South Banasree, the BUET area and various roads in Uttara.

Officials said snatchers are being arrested in different incidents, but many are released after a short period and become involved in the same crimes again. Law-enforcement agencies believe snatching increases in the capital, particularly during festivals.

Analysis of previous incidents shows that most victims are reluctant to file cases or general diaries. Many do not want to go through the lengthy process of attending court, providing evidence and waiting for trials. As a result, the same crimes continue to occur.

A DMP deputy commissioner, speaking to the Daily Inqilab on condition of anonymity, said various teams were working to prevent snatching. “Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch arrested several people about a week ago. More than 200 criminals from 40 snatching groups are active in the capital. Patrol teams at every police station have been instructed in this regard,” he said. He urged city residents to remain alert while travelling. People should avoid accepting anything from strangers or responding to attempts by unknown people to become acquainted with them. They should also remain cautious while travelling by rickshaw or other vehicles.

On August 9, a group of criminals on three motorcycles intercepted a vehicle carrying Tk 1 crore 21 lakh 25 thousand while it was on its way to deposit the money at a bank in Uttara. They attacked the vehicle with sharp weapons and fled with the money bag.

Earlier, on June 26, a businessman was shot and robbed of $17,000 in broad daylight in front of Janata Bank in the Shapla Chattar area of Motijheel. Around 3pm, money-exchange businessman Mr. Lokman was injured when two snatchers tried to take his bag. During the struggle, they shot him. People nearby fled in fear. The two snatchers then took the bag and fled on a motorcycle.

On June 7, Soheli Islam was killed in a snatching incident in the capital. She was attacked by two snatchers while returning home in Dhanmondi after getting off a bus in Gabtoli. The criminals pulled the vanity bag wrapped around her hand, causing her to fall onto the road. She died four days later while undergoing treatment. Police have yet to identify anyone in connection with the incident.

Earlier, in March, housewife Mukta Akter aged 21, died in a similar incident. On March 19, she left her home in Uttara for Eid shopping when snatchers pulled her bag. She later died at a hospital from her injuries.

RAB arrests 2

RAB-2 commander Additional DIG Naimul Hasan said RAB had arrested two people in connection with the killing of headteacher Ranjina Parvin in the Parliament area.

However, RAB has not yet confirmed who pulled the bag from the deceased teacher’s hand.

The suspects are Mr. Mosharraf Hossain Poni, alias Poni Gazi, alias Para Poni, and his associate. The motorcycle allegedly used in the snatching was also recovered.

According to RAB, Poni Gazi, the main suspect in the killing, is a professional snatcher and has been accused in multiple crimes. He has long been involved in robbery, snatching, drug dealing and intimidation in Tejgaon, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar and other areas of the capital.

He has 13 cases filed against him at different police stations.