Shantiganj (Sunamganj) Correspondent:

An arrestee managed to escape from police custody along with his handcuffs in the Shantiganj upazila of Sunamganj on Wednesday night. The incident has caused talk of the town for the day.

The fugitive, identified as 35-year-old Asir Mia from Damodardapi village, was arrested from his home by a police team led by Sub-Inspector (SI) Nur Uddin over a pending criminal case.

According to police sources, officers handcuffed Asir Mia and attached the cuffs to a part of a CNG auto-rickshaw to take him to the police station. However, when the vehicle reached Damodardapi Point around 9:00 PM, a commotion broke out among local onlookers. Taking advantage of the situation, Asir escaped with the handcuffs still on.

Police and local sources stated that several relatives and local associates helped him flee. Shortly after his escape, Asir went live on Facebook to claim he was innocent before going into hiding.

Local Union Parishad Member Md. Ajir Uddin said he was at a local arbitration during the incident but later learned that the suspect had fled during the commotion at the point.

Shantiganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Oliullah confirmed the incident, stating that multiple police teams are conducting raids to rearrest the suspect. He added that an investigation is underway to determine how the escape occurred.

Sunamganj Additional Superintendent of Police (DSB) Sujon Sarkar said the matter is being looked into thoroughly. Operations to capture the fugitive are currently ongoing.