Rangamati, Aug 20 (V7N) – Police have uncovered an illegal arms manufacturing workshop in Chatra Bil of Lakshmipur Union, Ataikula Police Station, Pabna. In a joint operation conducted overnight on August 18, detectives from the Detective Branch (DB) and Ataikula police seized a revolver along with a large quantity of weapons-making equipment and detained two suspects.
 
The arrested individuals have been identified as Monir Hossain (40), son of Mostafa Ali from Niamatpur village, Pabna Sadar, and Rezaul Karim (42), son of Diraj Hossain from Khodaipur village, also in Pabna Sadar.
 
Ataikula police chief AKM Habibul Islam confirmed the details on August 19. He said that the Maij Bahini, a notorious criminal group operating in the Chatra Bil area, had been involved in various criminal activities for a long time. Acting on confidential intelligence, the police launched a raid on their hideout inside the bil (wetland area).
 
During the operation, authorities recovered one revolver, three bullets, and numerous weapons manufacturing materials including parts for one-shooter guns, barrels, molds, cutting machines, drilling and welding machines, iron sheets, and gunpowder.
 
Preliminary interrogation revealed that the detainees were producing weapons locally to support organized robbery, extortion, and territorial control over the bil. The suspects were also attempting to build a larger criminal network involving Fazlu Mulhota Maij, a known bil leaseholder.
 
Locals reported that the Maij Bahini had been active in the remote riverine char area of Chatra Bil for years, often conducting armed drills at night, creating widespread fear in the community.
 
Police Chief Habibul Islam further stated that the group had terrorized residents through violent activities such as robbery and extortion. Several firearms cases were already pending against Maij. The arms factory has been dismantled, and interrogation is ongoing to identify other network members. The arrested men will be formally charged and presented before the court soon.
 
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