Dhaka: Police have arrested four individuals suspected to be part of a human skeleton theft ring, recovering 47 human skulls and a significant quantity of bones in Tejgaon, Dhaka.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the individuals arrested are Kazi Zahurul Islam alias Soumik, Md Abul Kalam, Asadul Munshi alias Jasim alias Ershad, and Md Faisal Ahmed.
The skulls and bones were discovered stored in plastic shopping bags. Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Tejgaon Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), Md Ibne Mizan, shared these details during a press briefing at the DMP Media Centre. The arrests were part of special operations conducted in six areas within the Tejgaon Division, initiated at the start of the holy Ramadan.
Kazi Zahurul Islam was apprehended first at approximately 1:45 am on March 9, in front of Gate No. 1 of the Monipuripara area, with a human skeleton in his possession. Following his arrest, further operations led to the arrest of Md Abul Kalam and Asadul Munshi, who were found with two human skulls near Tejgaon College at 7:10 am the same day.
Subsequent information from these suspects directed police to a raid conducted around 3:30 pm at the Sapporo Dental College and Hospital hostel in Uttara, where Md Faisal Ahmed was arrested. This operation uncovered 44 additional skulls scattered in Room No. 402.
Preliminary police interrogations revealed the gang’s method of exhuming graves in various graveyards across Mymensingh, Gazipur, Sherpur, and Jamalpur to steal human skeletons. They processed the bones chemically and sold them to individuals for high prices. The gang reportedly acquired skeletons for Tk 5,000 to Tk ,000 and sold them for Tk 15,000 to Tk 20,000, with most buyers being students.
The DC noted that the group targeted unprotected graveyards lacking surveillance or public presence, usually exhuming bodies a year post-burial. Police records indicate Md Abul Kalam is involved in 21 cases nationwide, and Asadul Munshi in two cases. A case has been lodged with Tejgaon Police Station, and the arrested individuals will be presented in court.