Riyad’s arrest brings relief to Jhalakathi people

Hundreds of families of Jhalakathi's Rajapur and Kathalia upazilas felt relieved with the arrest of notorious criminal Riyad along with a woman on Sunday.

Police arrested Riyad Talukder, 50, of Galua village in Rajapur, who controls drugs and arms business in southern region, from a residential hotel in Patuakhali's Kuakata beach area, Mozzammel Haque, Rajapur senior assistant superintendent of police (ASP), said, adding that they earlier detained three of Riyad's cohorts.  

“Although Riyad raped many young girls and housewives in his locality, none dared to lodge any complaint against him while many left the area fearing his sexual harassment,” said Imdad Hosain, one of Riyad's neighbours.

“I have received many complaints against Riyad from various sources and found them to be  true after investigation,” said the ASP.

“Following instructions of higher authorities I launched several drives in the last three days and finally arrested Riyad and one of his close aides Poly Aktar with huge amount of sex stimulating tablets,” he added.

Around a dozen cases were filed against Riyad, including for murder, abduction, arms and drugs peddling, robbery and torture, with Rajapur Police Station, he said.  

“Many young housewives and parents, on condition of anonymity, informed me about the rape incidents but did not file any case in fear,” the ASP said.

Police produced the arrestees before a Jhalakathi court seeking a 10-day remand on Monday afternoon.

After hearing, Judge Rubaiya Amena of Jhalakathi Senior Judicial Magistrates' Court granted a four-day remand for both the arrestees.

Later, following Riyad's statement, the law enforcers detained Joad, 32, one of his key associates, from Nesarabad area in Jhalakathi Sadar upazila early Wednesday and produced him before a court in the afternoon, seeking a 10-day remand.

The court granted a four-day remand for him as well.