Three youths arrested with sharp knives while preparing a mugging at Asad Gate

Police have arrested three youths with two sharp knives while they were allegedly preparing to commit a mugging in the capital's Asad Gate area. They were arrested at around 2:25pm on Friday (23 October) during a police Honda mobile patrol.

The arrestees are Arafat (20), Faimul Hasan (22) and Abir Bepari Shanto (23). Police said two sharp knives were recovered from their possession.

Jewel Rana, additional deputy commissioner (ADC) of the Tejgaon division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), confirmed the arrests.

ADC Jewel Rana said Sub-Inspector (SI) Humayun Kabir, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Kamal and ASI Emdad were on Honda mobile duty at around 2:25pm on Friday. During the patrol, the three youths were arrested with the knives at Asad Gate while preparing for a mugging.

According to police, the arrestees were positioned in the area with the intention of mugging. The patrol team noticed their suspicious behaviour, stopped them, and recovered the two sharp knives in a search.

Mohammad Abdul Halim, officer-in-charge (OC) of Mohammadpur Police Station, said the arrestees' previous criminal records and names and addresses are being verified. Whether they have any earlier cases or crime records against them is being examined.

The OC added that legal action is being taken against the arrestees after verification. He also said the police drive in connection with the incident is continuing.

Asad Gate is one of Dhaka's busiest areas. Being the junction of the Parliament area, Dhanmondi and Mohammadpur, it sees crowds of people throughout the day. News of a mugging being prepared in broad daylight in such a busy area has worried pedestrians.

Local residents say the activities of mugging gangs on busy roads and footpaths are noticed from time to time. They believe regular police patrols and more searches would reduce such crimes.

Police said mobile duty and patrols have been strengthened in different parts of the capital to prevent mugging. Searches and surveillance of suspicious persons are continuing.

According to the concerned police station, preparations are under way to file a case against the three arrested youths. They may be sent to court after verification is complete.