Matiranga Correspondent, CHT News
Sunday, August 23, 2026
Security forces reportedly detained two local
villagers following an early morning raid in the Sadiabari area of Matiranga
Upazila, Khagrachhari, on Friday, August 21, 2026. One of the detainees was
subsequently released after a reported financial transaction at the police
station, while the other was remanded to prison under controversial drug
charges.
The detainees have been identified as Bajendra Tripura
(50), son of Amar Krishna Tripura, a resident of Sadiabari village (Ward No. 8,
Matiranga Union No. 6), and his son-in-law, Laxmi Kumar Tripura (26), son of
Bhakta Kumar Tripura.
Local sources report that a contingent of 20 to 25
Bangladesh Army personnel from the Shishakbari Army Camp conducted a search of
the victims' residences at approximately 4:00 AM on Friday.
Both
individuals were taken into custody and initially transported to the Matiranga
Army Zone. At approximately 6:00 PM the same day, security personnel
transferred both men to the Matiranga Police Station.
Laxmi Kumar Tripura was released from police custody
following a reported payment of Tk 50,000. Local accounts indicate the
transaction was mediated between police officials and an individual identified
as Sajal, an alleged member of a local armed faction.
Conversely, authorities charged Bajendra Tripura with
possession of cannabis before transferring him to jail via the Khagrachhari
District Court. Relatives and local residents allege the drug evidence was
fabricated.
Community members highlight a documented pattern of
targeting against Bajendra Tripura. He was arrested on March 17, 2024, and
imprisoned on firearm charges that locals claim were fabricated, though he was
later released on court-ordered bail.
On July 5, 2026, while attending a court hearing, he
survived an attempted abduction outside the Khagrachhari court during which his
motorcycle was seized.
The following day, on July 6, 2026, he was forced to
pay Tk 30,000 in extortion, reduced from an initial demand of Tk 100,000, to an
armed group in Matiranga town to recover his vehicle.
Local residents have voiced grave concern over the
repeated detention and alleged targeting of Bajendra Tripura, calling on
authorities to conduct a fair investigation and secure his immediate release.
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