Rajshahi, Nov 09 (V7N)- Joint forces have arrested 21 people with local and foreign firearms, ammunition, and drugs in a massive overnight operation across several upazilas of Rajshahi, Natore, Pabna, and Kushtia. The raids, which began early Sunday (November 9), are expected to continue till noon.

According to sources, the operation is being conducted in Lalpur of Natore, Bagha of Rajshahi, Aminpur and Ishwardi of Pabna, and Daulatpur of Kushtia. The move comes in response to multiple allegations against a criminal group known as the Kakon Force, accused of murder, shooting, kidnapping, extortion, and looting of sand and crops from char areas.

Rajshahi Range DIG Mohammad Shahjahan confirmed that 21 members of the Kakon Force have been arrested so far. During the raids, law enforcement officials recovered five foreign firearms, several locally made weapons, narcotics, and a motorcycle used by the group.

“About 1,200 members from various police units participated in the operation,”

said DIG Shahjahan, adding that detailed information will be disclosed at a press briefing in the afternoon.

It may be recalled that on October 27, three farmers were shot dead by the Kakon Force while harvesting crops in the grasslands — an incident that sparked widespread outrage and prompted the ongoing crackdown.

END/SMA/AJ