The District Detective Branch (DB) police have arrested three members of a gang on charges of hypnotizing people using scopolamine, known as ‘devil’s breath’, in various areas of the country including Naogaon and extorting money and gold ornaments.
Superintendent of Police Mohammad Tariqul Islam gave this information at a press conference held at the Naogaon District Police Superintendent Hall on Sunday (June 21) afternoon.
Police said that in the past few months, a gang has been committing fraud and robbery against elderly women in various areas of Naogaon city. The gang members used a chemical called scopolamine, which they said was “devil’s breath,” to temporarily disorient and uncontrollable the victims. They would then steal jewelry and cash from them.
Three cases were filed at Naogaon Police Station in connection with these incidents. After analyzing information technology and various data during the investigation of the cases, the DB police came to know that the gang was planning to commit a similar crime in Tangail on June 20. Based on this, a special team conducted a raid in Tangail under the direction of the Superintendent of Police.
Three members of the gang – Abu Hasan, Babu and Sabuj – were arrested from the old bus stand area of Tangail in the operation. They all live in the Chanpara area of Rupganj police station in Narayanganj district. After the arrest, some victims from Naogaon identified them, the police said.
During initial interrogation, the arrested persons said that their gang has multiple groups and they commit crimes using the same tactics in different parts of the country. Information has been found of their involvement in at least 10 incidents in different districts including Naogaon, Narayanganj, Khulna and Faridpur.
At a press conference, Superintendent of Police Muhammad Tariqul Islam said that the gang members usually target elderly women. First, one of them talks to the victim, offering help. Later, other members join in and apply chemicals. Then, the victim, under hypnosis, hands over her jewelry and money to the criminals.
He said that Naogaon District Police is active in curbing such crimes and that campaigns against criminals will continue along with raising public awareness.