Local residents in Mirsarai upazila caught three suspected robbers including a local Jubo Dal leader on Thursday night while they were allegedly preparing to commit a robbery on the Bariyarhat-Khagrachhari road.
The detainees were identified as Anwar, a Ward No. 9 member of Baganbazar Union Jubo Dal in Fatikchhari; Belayet Hossain, 28, from Feni and Mamun 33, from Fatikchhari.
According to local sources, the Naytila stretch of the highway has experienced frequent nighttime robberies, creating widespread panic among commuters. To curb the crime spree the local residents organized night patrols along the road.
On Thursday night, patrollers spotted a group of individuals acting suspiciously. While several suspects managed to flee into nearby areas, residents surrounded and detained three individuals before handing them over to the police.
Acknowledging Anwar's organizational role, Baganbazar Union Jubo Dal Member Secretary Lokman Hossain stated that individual criminal acts are personal matters and the organization will not take responsibility for wrongdoing.
Abdul Halim, Officer-in-Charge of Zorarganj Police Station, confirmed that police responded to the scene also arrested the three suspects and filed a formal case against them before producing them in court.
