Police rescue woman held hostage after gunman opens fire in Ashulia

Police today (25 July) rescued a woman who had been taken hostage by an alleged criminal, known as “Shooter Bappi”, during an extortion attempt targeting a building owner in Savar’s Ashulia.

Speaking to reporters after inspecting the scene in the Jamgara area of Ashulia, Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime, Operations and Traffic North) Md Jahangir Alam said the woman had been taken hostage as part of an extortion attempt.

“The suspect held the woman hostage to pressure the building owner into paying extortion money. However, due to the prompt response by police, he was unable to collect any money,” Jahangir said.

According to police, around 7am today, Bappi arrived at the building with three accomplices. He allegedly took the building’s caretaker, Lima, hostage and demanded money.

When the building’s owners were unable to reach Lima, they suspected she was in danger and alerted police.

Police said three response teams, including officers from Jamgara, were dispatched to the scene. Upon realising that police had surrounded the building, Bappi allegedly used Lima as a human shield and opened fire on officers from inside the premises.

Police returned fire while attempting to rescue the hostage but avoided shooting directly at the suspect because of the danger to the woman.

Bappi eventually fled the scene, leaving the hostage behind.

Jahangir said four suspects were involved in the incident, but only one entered the building and fired at police. He added that Bappi is facing multiple criminal cases.

“We have already identified those involved. The incident is under investigation, and police operations to arrest the suspects are continuing,” he said.