2 more arrested for stealing materials from Metro Rail project

Rapid Action Battalion arrested two members of an "organised theft gang" yesterday on charge of stealing materials from the Metro Rail project in Dhaka.

A team of Rab also recovered materials worth around Tk 5 lakh, a pick-up van, and an auto-rickshaw during the raid at Pallabi area, said Joyita Shilpi, deputy director of Rab-4.

The arrestees are Md Ashique (19) and Md Harun (40).

Rab members came to know about the gang while investigating a case filed with Turag Police Station following the death of one Nazmul (18), who turned out to be a member of the gang, Joyita -- also a superintendent of police -- told The Daily Star.  

Nazmul died of electrocution on September 6 while cutting wire at the project, along with others.

Police recovered the body after his accomplices left him there, the Rab official said, quoting the arrestees. 

Nazmul, who was buried, was later identified by his family members who went through his belongings and photos at the police station, she said.

During primary interrogation, the arrestees told Rab that they have long been stealing metal and other materials from Metro Rail and other project sites.

Among the gang members, some are directly involved in stealing materials from different sites, some are brokers who help them sell the materials, while some are buyers, Rab officials said.

Earlier on September 12, Rab members arrested 11 people for the same offence.