Rangamati, Oct 16 (V7N) — Police in Rangamati have arrested two local political leaders — Sohel Chakma, vice-president of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League’s district unit, and Manas Majumder, vice-president of Ward No. 5 Jubo League — as part of the ongoing “Operation Devil Hunt.”
According to Rangamati Kotwali Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Shahed Uddin, the arrests were made in separate operations on Wednesday night based on intelligence provided by local sources. He confirmed that both men were detained as part of the ongoing anti-crime and anti-extremism campaign in the hill district.
Police sources said that Sohel Chakma, originally from Baghaichhari, currently resides in Rangamati town, while Manas Majumder hails from Asambasti in the municipality area and is the son of local resident Minal Majumder.
The nationwide operation, launched to combat terrorist and illegal organizational activities, has led to multiple arrests in recent days. Within the past 24 hours, police also detained two other local leaders — Jubo League leader Ajit Shil and Sramik League leader Sohel, alias “Kana Sohel.” Earlier on Tuesday night, police arrested Masud Rana Hamid, joint general secretary of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League’s Rangamati Sadar Upazila unit, from the Reserve Bazaar area.
Police allege that several of the detainees were involved in spreading unrest through secret attacks, nighttime rallies, and propaganda in favor of outlawed organizations. Law enforcement officials confirmed that legal proceedings are underway against those arrested.
Intelligence sources revealed that some leaders and activists of banned organizations have been operating from a lawyer’s residence in the Balukhali area across Kaptai Lake. From there, small groups reportedly enter the town at night to organize torch processions and paste posters before retreating. Authorities also confirmed reports that participants were being paid around Tk 3,000 each for taking part in such rallies.
Local law enforcement has since intensified its operations to identify and apprehend those involved. Police have vowed to continue “Operation Devil Hunt” until further notice, aiming to restore peace and ensure public safety across Rangamati.
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