Dhaka, Sep 27 (V7N)- An armed group allegedly carried out a rampage, opened fire and looted valuables at the New Guinea Housing Project in South Manikdi, near ECB Chattar in the capital, on Saturday night.

Authorities said approximately Tk 1 crore was allegedly stolen from the housing society's office during the attack. The studio of content creator Salman Muqtadir was also reportedly vandalized and looted. Housing authorities have alleged that the incident was linked to an extortion demand.

The New Guinea Housing Project is located in South Manikdi, adjacent to ECB Chattar. The residential project is being developed on around five bighas of land and includes more than 17 multi-storey buildings.

According to eyewitnesses, more than 100 masked individuals arrived at the construction site in four pickup vans at around 10pm and allegedly opened indiscriminate fire. CCTV cameras installed across the housing complex were reportedly destroyed during the attack.

There were also allegations that several people were injured in attacks involving sharp weapons. Computers, mobile phones and other valuables were reportedly taken from different locations within the housing project.

Housing authorities claimed that the attackers entered the society's office and looted approximately Tk 1 crore. Project owners further alleged that a similar attack had taken place around two months earlier, when the attackers allegedly demanded a large sum of money.

Saiful Islam Bhuiyan, a director of New Guinea Properties, said the attackers were demanding a substantial amount of money. He also alleged that attempts were being made to forcibly take possession of land that had already been purchased.

The studio of content creator Salman Muqtadir was also targeted. Staff members present at the studio were reportedly beaten, while the premises were vandalized and valuables were allegedly looted.

Reacting to the incident, Salman Muqtadir expressed his outrage and frustration. He said that if an extortion demand had been made and he had the financial ability to meet it, he would have paid. He also criticized the administration and expressed his lack of confidence in the country's legal system.

Police arrived at the scene after receiving information about the attack. An exchange of gunfire reportedly took place between police and the attackers.

Police later said two individuals had been detained from the scene.

Muhammad Gias Uddin, Police Inspector (Unarmed) of Cantonment Police Station, said a case concerning the incident was being processed at the police station.

The incident has raised concerns over alleged extortion, attacks on property, forced occupation of purchased land and the security situation in the area.

END/SMA/AJ