Notorious getaway driver arrested in hot pursuit

Md Shahjahan

A notorious CNG-run auto-rickshaw driver, "reputed" for his skills in getting away after street snatching, was arrested on Sunday night in Chittagong after a hot pursuit straight out of an action thriller film.

Md Shahjahan, 40, is in high demand among muggers of the port city for aiding in their crimes, gaining the nickname “expert Shahjahan” among criminals. Arrested thrice earlier on different charges, Shahjahan has managed to walked out of jail by securing bail with help of his associates.

He was arrested by DB men of Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) from city's Pahartali on Sunday night in a dramatic chase, while escaping a failed snatching bid.

Inspector Eliash Khan of CMP's DB told The Daily Star that along with a CNG-run auto-rickshaw, Shahjahan and two of his associates -- Nazrul Islam, 30 and Jakir, 40, went to the city's Hamzarbag area under Panchlaish Police Station at around 10:00pm.

After a failed attempt to snatch valuables from commuters, they were chased by locals as Shahjahan hit Mohiuddin, a motorcyclist, said Eliash. At one point, Nazrul and Jakir got off the CNG-run auto-rickshaw and fled, he added.

Mohiuddin, who helped police arrest Shahjahan, said, “After being hit, I started chasing Shahjahan with my bike; he rammed a rickshaw stationed at Muradpur intersection, and then hit another auto-rickshaw in Sulokbahar area.”

“Shahjahan got on Akhteruzzaman Flyover, where he collided with a truck but did not stop, as I was chasing him,” said Mohiuddin, who was also injured in the process.

Mohiuddin said Shahjahan then entered into Ambagan Road. “I sought help from another man on a motorbike to catch him.”

Fortunately for Mohiuddin, that man was a constable of DB, who joined the pursuit.

“As we chased him down, the driver rammed into the other motorbike, and took a road that lead to Pahartali police beat,” Mohiuddin added.  The policeman on the bike, however, managed to control his motorbike, pulled ahead and blocked his way, inspector Eliash said.

“Shahjahan is member of a mugging syndicate; a light gun and four rounds of cartridges were recovered from under the seat of driver after his arrest,” Eliash added.

He is an accused of eight cases filed over arms, mugging, and assault on police, said the inspector.

“Shahjahan is in high demand among muggers and snatchers, as he has around 20 years of driving experience,” said Eliash.

Shahjahan was arrested earlier in connection with snatching from a US citizen in Khulshi area last year,” said the inspector, adding that police were trying to arrest Jakir and Nazrul.