Gang rivalry behind hacking of Pallabi pharmacy worker: Police

A pharmacy worker in the capital’s Pallabi was allegedly hacked by members of a criminal group amid a rivalry between two Mirpur-based gangs, police said.

The attack took place at a pharmacy behind a 22-storey garment factory in Pallabi on 30 September. It came to light today (6 October) after CCTV footage of the incident circulated on social media.

The footage, lasting around two minutes, shows three masked men grabbing the victim by his T-shirt collar and beating him inside the pharmacy.

One attacker is seen striking him with a machete, while another points what appears to be a firearm at him.

Another man appears to put something from the pharmacy into a bag. A sword is also visible in the footage, though it is unclear who was carrying it.

Later, another man enters the pharmacy, takes something and leaves.

The victim can be heard pleading, “I won’t do anything, I won’t do anything, brother.”

The attackers leave the pharmacy about 30 seconds after the assault. The victim is later seen holding his bloodied hand.

Pallabi Police Station Officer-in-Charge Hasan Bashir told The Business Standard that police learned about the incident only today and subsequently spoke to the pharmacy worker by phone.

“[The attack] happened over a conflict between the groups,” he said.

According to the OC, members of the Mashiur group, a criminal group in Mirpur, allegedly attacked the pharmacy worker because they suspected him of supporting and providing information to the rival Ashik group.

The victim has not filed a complaint over the incident, Hasan Bashir said.

“I asked him to come to the police station, but he showed no interest in filing a case. Nevertheless, we are investigating the matter,” he added.