Noakhali, February 9 – On the first day of Operation 'Devil Hunt,' a joint force comprising the Navy, Coast Guard, Naval Police, and regular police conducted raids in Hatia, Noakhali, leading to the arrest of seven individuals, including a former chairman and a local political leader.

The detainees were presented before the judicial court on Sunday afternoon. The arrests took place on Saturday night following operations in various locations across Hatia.

The arrested individuals include former chairman of Char Ishwar Union, Alauddin Azad (64), Saddam Hossain (26), son of Belal Uddin from Ward 1 of Hatia Municipality, Abul Kalam Bitu (44), son of late Abdus Shahid from Ward 3, Azim Uddin (31), son of Alauddin from Adarshagram in Nijhum Dwip Union, Sirajul Islam alias Rakshan (24), son of Mohin Uddin from Tamruddi Union, Abdul Majed Palash (43), son of Haji Abdul Kaiyum, and Abdul Zaher (39).

According to sources, the joint force arrested former chairman Azad from Ward 2 of Ochkhali Puraton Bazar in Char Ishwar Union. Subsequently, further operations were conducted in multiple locations, resulting in the apprehension of six more individuals. Authorities also seized several weapons, including a plastic-handled sharp knife, a sharp axe, two wooden-handled knives, and three long swords.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Hatia Police Station, AKM Azmal Huda, stated that this was the first operation under 'Devil Hunt' following its declaration by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The arrested individuals were formally presented before the Noakhali Chief Judicial Magistrate Court on Sunday afternoon. Meanwhile, the joint operation by the Navy, Coast Guard, Naval Police, and regular police continues across different areas.

The crackdown aims to curb criminal activities in Hatia and surrounding regions, with law enforcement officials emphasizing that further operations will be carried out to ensure law and order.