Combing operation against outlaws soon in Rajshahi
High level meeting today to review situation and strategy
A massive combing operation will be launched in outlaw infested areas in Rajshahi 'within days' to nab the criminals.
The special operation is being launched against the backdrop of the May 2 attack on Tahirpur police outpost and killing of a policeman and aimed at dismantling their organisations ahead of the planned parliamentary and local body elections, high police officials said.
The apprehension of outlaws' activity during polls surfaced following investigation into the Taherpur attack and analysis of previous killings by outlaws, they said.
Outlaws were used by political leaders in previous elections. A section of dishonest politicians maintain secret relation with outlaws and use them against opponents during election.
Home Affairs Adviser Maj. Gen (Retd) MA Matin is likely to review the situation at a divisional meeting of top officials of law enforcing agencies today in Rajshahi, the sources said.
“Outlaws or any other criminals will not be allowed to influence polls. We must achieve some good results (in action against outlaws) ahead of the elections”, said Rajshahi divisional DIG Mokhlesur Rahman.
“Our forces are working to neutraliae the strength of outlaws”, he said.
The divisional police chief admitted that outlaws have built a 'strong network' in Rajshahi region and they were getting funds.
Alongside the operation, campaign will be launched in outlaw-infested areas to allay fear from minds of people and to motivate them to help law enforcers to flush out the criminals.
Strength at police stations and outposts will be increased and vigilance strengthened, the sources said.
Security at jails have been tightened so that the arrested top outlaws can not contact their cadres outside.
The steps will also include engaging special intelligence units to identify outlaws, their patrons, shelter providers and sources of funding. Political leaders suspected of patronising outlaws in the past and beneficiaries of previous murders of politicians will also be under watch, they said.
However, talking to this correspondent, some senior police officials said it is difficult to gather information about outlaws as party workers belonging to different tiers do not know activities of other groups. “When one of them is caught, he can not give information about cadres in other tires”, said an official.
In Taherpur incident, one group planned the attack and the other group made the attack. The attackers only carried out the order but did not know the planners, he said.
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