Extortion accused Mofa Babu arrested again in Nikunja

Police have arrested Md. Ismail Hossain Babu, commonly known as Mofa Babu, from the Nikunja-2 area of Khilkhet in Dhaka on charges of extortion, physical assault, and drug peddling. He was detained during a drive on Friday night, and a new case involving wrongful restraint, assault, and extortion was filed against him at Khilkhet Police Station on Saturday. His continuous involvement in criminal activities had caused widespread frustration and panic among local traders.

According to police records, Babu hails from Borhanuddin in Bhola and resided in a rented flat in the Tanpara area of Khilkhet. Local residents stated that he has been arrested at least seven times over the past two years for extortion, vandalism, and narcotics offences. He was previously apprehended with contraband yaba tablets by the detective branch and detained by joint forces, yet returned to criminal activities every time he was released on bail.

Residents alleged that Babu often leveraged local political affiliations to assert dominance in the area. Although he held a post within a local unit of the Jatiyatabadi Swechhasebak Dal, some local political workers expressed frustration that no organizational action or show-cause notice was issued against him despite repeated detentions. Business owners noted that each arrest brings temporary relief, which dissipates once he secures bail and resumes intimidation.

Officer-in-Charge of Khilkhet Police Station, Muhammad Sohrab Al Hossain, stated that criminal offenders would not be spared regardless of political identity, emphasizing that the law applies equally to all. He confirmed that an impartial investigation is underway to collect evidence for a strong charge sheet. Meanwhile, local businesses and residents urged law enforcement to ensure strict measures so that habitual offenders cannot easily resume intimidation.