Staff Reporter, Sylhet: For several days, bizarre incidents of robbery have been occurring along the Bandar Bazar and Dhopadighirpar walkways in Sylhet. Armed thieves suddenly appear, loot property, and vanish without a trace. Even the police have been struggling to control the situation.

On Sunday morning, police conducted a targeted surveillance operation in Dhopadighirpar and Bandar Bazar. At that very moment, the criminals challenged the police presence. While searching, officers reached a large, dry drain where, under light, human presence was detected. One by one, five thieves were pulled out from inside the drain.

Police stated that the drain itself served as their hideout. They had set up beds there and kept equipment for drug use. One open end of the drain is at Dhopadighirpar, and the other is near Metro Hotel, allowing the criminals to stay there easily during the dry season. During the monsoon, the drain fills with water, making it inaccessible.

Shubhani Ghat Police Station in-charge Shiplu Chowdhury said, “Inside the drain, we recovered tools used for robbery and other crimes, as well as drug paraphernalia. The arrested individuals admitted they had been living there for several months.”

While five were arrested inside the drain, police also detained two more outside. The seven arrested include Iman Ahmad, Shahan Ahmad, Yasin, Rubel, Hridoy Ahmad, and Shawkat Mia. Knives, machetes, and iron rods were also seized.

Local business owners reported that it is impossible for anyone to tell that the drain is being used as a hideout. Similar incidents have occurred in Talatala, Jitu Mia’s Point, West Kazir Bazar, Ambarkhana, Dargah Gate, Fazil Chist, and Madina Market. Police investigations revealed that criminals, to evade arrest, frequently relocate to new hideouts, with one such hideout being a drain.

This unusual drain hideout in Sylhet has created fear among residents and businesspeople. Police operations are ongoing to bring the full criminal syndicate under control.