DMP arrests 8 over Mohammadpur land-grabbing attempt

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested eight people on charges of attempting to occupy land at Chand Udyan area in Mohammadpur, Dhaka.  

DMP confirmed the matter in a press release on Monday and said legal action is underway.

Police initially arrested two people on Sunday in connection with a case filed over attacks, vandalism, and the looting of goods stemming from the land-grabbing attempt in Chand Udyan Housing.  

The two suspects arrested on Sunday were identified as Md Limon, 23, and Md Monowar Hossain Saddam, 25. Following Saturday’s incident, Anwar Hossain Ripon filed a case at Mohammadpur Police Station on Sunday, naming 10 individuals alongside 20-25 unidentified persons as accused.

Police said both Limon and Saddam face previous charges related to mugging and brawling, adding that the suspects confessed to participating in contract-based muggings and land-grabbing operations.

CCTV footage circulating on social media showed a group of people breaking the lock of an office located on the property, entering the premises, and carrying away various items from inside.

Police added that between 150 and 200 people participated in the attack. The land was under the possession of Md Alam. On Saturday morning, a group of 150-200 individuals, led by Joni and Rezaul, arrived at the site, demolished the tin fence, entered the office to commit vandalism, and attempted to forcefully occupy the land.

Mohammadpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abdul Halim said, “Since there is a dispute over the ownership of the land, the parties have been advised to go to court. Whichever party the court rules in favor of will legally obtain rights to the land.”