Chittagong jewellers under fire

Robbers fired and lobbed bombs in a daring bid to loot gold ornaments from two shops in a busy Chittagong locality on Saturday, police said.

Around 8:30pm, the gang of robbers tried to force their way into Aparupa Jewellers and Guinea Gold Jewellers in the DM market opposite the GPO building, CMP ADC (South) Mizanur Rahman said.

But he was not sure whether the robbers could decamp with some jewellery -- and if so, how much.

At least 13 people were injured in the violence as panic spread when the robbers lobbed handmade bombs and fired at random.

The injured have been admitted to Chittagong Medical College and Hospital (CMCH).

However, one of them died undergoing treatment around midnight, said Kotwali Police Station OC Mohiuddin Selim.

He said the microbus used by the robbers in the attempted heist was later recovered around 9:45pm from near the Newaz Hotel at East Madarbari in the port city.

Bags, masks and dresses have been found in the microbus.

One suspected robber, Imtiaz Uddin Babul, has been nabbed from Pahartoli with a gun and four rounds of bullets, police said.

CMP Detective Branch's Assistant Commissioner Md Mainuddin said information provided by Babul led to another arrest from CMCH hours after the attempted robbery.

During preliminary interrogation, Babul also said there were 10 robbers in their group, police said.

Raids were being conducted to nab the others.