Rab team attacked during operation in Natore, one injured: Police

A group of 15 to 20 criminals attacked plainclothes members of the Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) in Nabinagar area of Lalpur upazila in Natore last night, said police.

The incident took place at approximately 9:10pm when a six-member intelligence team from Rab-5, CPC-2 of the Natore camp, led by ASI Md Parvez Munshi, was operating in plainclothes in Nabinagar village to collect information on drug trafficking, said Lalpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Shafikul Islam.

Six Rab personnel were assaulted in the incident, leaving one injured. The injured Rab member was admitted to Lalpur Upazila Health Complex.

According to the police statement, when the team reached the Nabinagar Government Primary School area, a group of 15 to 20 people led by Md Sohag Mahamud, 30, intercepted the officers and demanded to know their identities.

When the Rab members identified themselves and attempted to leave, the group snatched their motorcycle keys, triggering an altercation that escalated into a physical attack.

Police said they rushed to the scene upon receiving information, brought the situation under control, and rescued the Rab members.

Following the attack, police conducted a raid in the area and arrested the suspected ringleader, Md Sohag Hossain, from the scene, though others managed to flee. He was later produced before a judicial magistrate court in Natore today.

Rab has filed a case with Lalpur Police Station against the attackers. OC Shafikul Islam said drives are ongoing to arrest the remaining suspects.

Sources said a drug trafficking network has long been active in the Nabinagar area, and the attackers are suspected associates of local peddlers.

As of filing this report, Rab officials were not available for comment.