13 held in anti-snatching drive in Mohammadpur

Police have arrested 13 alleged muggers, including a woman and two teenagers, during a special 24-hour operation in the capital’s Mohammadpur area.

Police also recovered several locally made weapons allegedly used in snatching and four mobile phones reported stolen.

Mohammadpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abdul Halim confirmed the arrests on Friday night.

According to the OC, the recovered weapons included three switchblade knives, two sharp knives, four iron rods and a saw-like cutting knife.

Among the arrestees, Hasnain Hasan was identified as a notable suspect, with at least six snatching cases reportedly filed against him with Mohammadpur, Dhanmondi and Sher-e-Bangla Nagar police stations.

Police said the alleged gang targeted pedestrians, bus passengers, rickshaw passengers and relatives of patients visiting hospitals for treatment. The suspects allegedly snatched mobile phones, cash and other valuables by threatening victims with weapons or taking advantage of moments of inattention.

The arrestees will be sent to court after cases are filed, the OC said, adding that police operations to prevent snatching would continue.