Subrata Bain Had Tunneled Out of Foreign Prisons Before Capture

Staff Reporter

For over two decades, top terrorist Subrata Bain evaded capture by establishing hideouts in Kolkata and Nepal, from where he built his criminal empire and controlled his Bangladesh network. The Kolkata Police’s special operation to apprehend him was led by skilled officer Rajeev Kumar.

In 2008, Subrata was arrested from Kolkata’s Palm Avenue. After prolonged detention in Kolkata jail, he secured bail and fled to Nepal, where he was re-arrested and imprisoned. He later escaped jail again by digging a tunnel. Rajeev Kumar played a key role in recapturing him.

During the operation in Nepal, the Nepalese government accused Kolkata Police of violating diplomatic boundaries, though the matter was later resolved diplomatically.

Subrata Bain, a most-wanted terrorist, faces at least 30 murder charges. Until 2003, he led Dhaka’s notorious Seven Star crime syndicate, rising to prominence in the 1990s. In 2001, Bangladesh’s Home Ministry listed him among 23 top terrorists with announced rewards for their capture. He fled to India in 2003, permanently settling in Kolkata’s underworld.

Though Kolkata Police arrested him in 2008, he was released on bail and went underground again. In 2009, Kolkata Police’s Special Task Force learned he had entered Nepal. He was arrested by Nepal Police at Kakarbhitta and imprisoned in Bhadrapur and later Jhumka.

In 2012, Subrata Bain escaped with 10 other inmates through a 77-foot-long tunnel. Using bamboo-cutting knives, they dug a 20-inch-wide and 22-inch-high tunnel under cover of darkness. Kolkata Police officer Rajeev Kumar was instrumental in his recapture.

In 2012, West Bengal Police’s Crime Branch and Special Task Force (STF) jointly arrested Subrata Bain from Kolkata’s Bowbazar area. It is believed he was recently pushed back to Bangladesh before his final arrest.

Top Terrorists Arrested in Joint Forces Operation with Arms

In a coordinated operation by the Bangladesh Army and intelligence agencies, two most-wanted top terrorists and their two associates were arrested from Kushtia and Dhaka in a major counter-terrorism crackdown.

In the early hours of Tuesday, May 27, Subrata Bain alias Fateh Ali (60) and Abu Russell Masud alias Molla Masud (54) were arrested from Kushtia. Simultaneously, their associates Arafat alias Shooter Arafat and Sharif were apprehended from Dhaka’s Hatirjhil area.

Lieutenant Colonel Sami-ud-Doula Chowdhury, Director of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), disclosed this at a press conference in Dhaka Cantonment.

He stated the operation began around 5 AM based on classified intelligence, showcasing the army’s operational expertise, intelligence capabilities, and commitment to national security.

Lt. Col. Sami said, “Subrata Bain and Molla Masud are among the country’s 23 most-wanted terrorists. They are masterminds and leaders of the notorious ‘Seven Star’ crime syndicate.”

The operation involved the army’s 46 Independent Infantry Brigade along with multiple military and intelligence units. Five foreign pistols, 10 magazines, 53 rounds of ammunition, and a satellite phone were recovered.

Meticulously planned after prolonged surveillance, the operation was executed without casualties.

The ISPR Director added, “This gang has long been involved in killings, extortion, and subversive activities. Their arrest marks significant progress in national security.”

The operation received support from Army Headquarters’ Military Operations Directorate, 55 Infantry Division, 14 Independent Engineer Brigade, 71 Mechanized Brigade, and National Security Intelligence (NSI).

The army urged citizens to report suspicious activities or terrorism-related information to the nearest army camps or law enforcement agencies.