Masked attackers have ransacked an internet service provider’s office in Chattogram’s Bakalia Access Road, allegedly looting Tk 3.5 million in cash and valuables.
The assault on Digital Dot Net (DDN) on Monday afternoon was captured on CCTV.
Company employees alleged that a few days ago, Mubarak Hossain Emon alias David Emon, a follower of Chattogram's “top fugitive criminal” Sajjad Ali Khan alias Boro Sajjad, demanded a one-time extortion of Tk 20 million and a monthly extortion of Tk 1 million from them.
As they did not get the money, the miscreants launched the attack, the employees added.
DDN’s Head of Sales M Rabiul Hossain told bdnews24.com that a group of masked men stormed the office and went on a rampage, extensively damaging the place spread across the second and third floors of a 16-storey building.
“During the attack, some of them stood guard outside the building while others stormed the second-floor administrative office and vandalised it. There were around 30 to 35 attackers,” he added.
Rabiul said the attackers fled with several laptops and other valuables, along with a bag containing Tk 3.5 million withdrawn from the bank to pay employees’ salaries.
CCTV footage shows the attackers armed with locally-made weapons and sticks suddenly entering the DDN office, vandalising computers, phones, and furniture while threatening the employees.
An audio of a phone conversation between DDN owner Adil Hossain and a man identifying himself as Emon has circulated widely.
The man can be heard saying, “You ask the police commissioner for my details. Show him my number if you don’t recognise me, understand?”
He also threatened Adil that they will take over the business.
The man reminded Adil of the attacks carried out on the house of a former Awami League MP in Chattogram earlier this year.
Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasan Md Showkat Ali said they were looking into the attack.
“The police went there after receiving the news and an investigation has started. A complaint is being filed with the local police station. The attackers will be caught soon.”
The phone call is also being investigated, he said.
According to law-enforcing agencies, Emon has heavy weapons and currently runs a section of the “underworld” in the port city on behalf of Boro Sajjad, who is absconding abroad.
