khagrachchari, Mar 11 (V7N) - Khagrachhari District Police have arrested four individuals accused of extortion while posing as members of the BNP media cell. The suspects, identified as Tofail Ahmed from Debidwar in Comilla, Mehedi Hasan Riyad, Moktadir Hossain from Manikchhari, and Al Amin from Guimara, were apprehended on March 10 after a complaint was filed by businessman Md. Alamgir Hossain.

The arrests took place in the broken bridge area of Khagrachhari town, where the accused were reported to have threatened brick field owners in Dighinala, demanding a ransom of Tk 200,000. Although one owner paid Tk 100,000, the suspects became aggressive when they sought additional money. They had introduced themselves as representatives of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman and claimed to be conducting media interviews.

Police confirmed that the arrested individuals had no valid press credentials and sometimes misrepresented themselves as journalists from various media outlets, including the daily Dinkal and Diganta TV. A private car with a public inquiry sticker was seized during the operation. Following their arrest, the suspects were presented in court.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abdul Baten Mridha stated that a case has been registered against them under relevant laws for attempted extortion and impersonation. The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding fake journalists exploiting their positions for unlawful gains.

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