The 11 fishermen, who were abducted from Sundarbans, were reportedly subjected to torture for ransom by a newly formed gang “Nayan Bahini”.
The fishermen, who were rescued by the police on Wednesday morning, said that they were only fed once a day, and sometimes not at all.
They also noted that some fishermen including a fishing trawler are still being held hostage in the hideout. The gang allegedly possesses several weapons, including two pipe guns.
Besides, the rescued fishermen also mentioned that on Tuesday, the seven-member gang left them in a canal named Harintana in Sundarbans. From there they took a boat and reached the locality early on Wednesday morning.
In this regard, KM Arifqul Hoque, superintendent of police of the district, said police teams from Mongla and Sharankhola police stations conducted drives in the forest and rescued the fishermen.
Dhaka TribuneHe said such drives will continue to make the forest free from robbers and other criminals. “We are gathering information from the rescued fishermen. We hope that we will be able to arrest the criminals soon.”
Eight of the rescued fishermen were taken to Mongla police station and three others to Sharankhola police station.
At least 15 fishermen were kidnapped by the newly formed gang six days ago and four of them were freed from hostage on Tuesday after paying the ransom.
The fishermen, who were rescued on Wednesday were identified as Hanif, 48, Sohel Mallick, 28, Asadul Sheikh, 32, Akram Sheikh, 42, Anichh Sheikh, 22, Milon Sheikh, 23, Rafiqul Islam Khan, 35, Shukkur Ali Befari, 30, Monir Befari, 36 and Baktiar Befari, 35.
No criminals have been detained so far in this connection.
