Two held after robbing policeman in Chattogram

"When the drug abusers saw SI Yusuf Ali alone, they accused him of being a fake police officer and snatched his mobile phone, wallet, and walkie-talkie," police say

Two people have been arrested after robbing a policeman of mobile phone, walkie-talkie and wallet near Patenga sea beach in Chattogram.

The incident occurred in the Outer Ring Road area on Friday when Sub-Inspector Yusuf Ali from Patenga Police Station was attacked and had his belongings forcibly taken.

Locals managed to catch the two suspects, 27-year-old Saimon, identified by a single, and 22-year-old Ali Imad. The mob beat them before handing them over to the police.

Chattogram Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner (Media) Mahmuda Begum said that the national emergency service 999 had received a call about drug abusers gathering near the Outer Ring Road.

"Responding to the call, SI Yusuf Ali went to the location with his team. Since the area was on the opposite side of the road, his team took a U-turn in their vehicle while he proceeded on foot toward the location," she said.

"When the drug abusers saw SI Yusuf Ali alone, they accused him of being a fake police officer and snatched his mobile phone, wallet, and walkie-talkie."

A video of the aftermath of the incident later surfaced on social media, showing SI Yusuf in tears as he recounted the robbery to locals. The footage also revealed visible marks of assault on his neck.

"SI Yusuf Ali identified himself and called for help, but Saimon and Ali Imad attacked him, labelled him a fake officer, and gathered their accomplices at the scene," Chattogram Metropolitan Police said in a statement.

Local residents quickly intervened, capturing the two suspects and beating them, while the others managed to escape.

They recovered SI Yusuf's stolen belongings and later handed over the two suspects to police officers patrolling the Patenga Beach area.

A case has been filed at Patenga Police Station under the Speedy Trial Act.