Charge pressed against Samrat in arms case

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has pressed charges against expelled Jubo League leader Ismail Hossain Samrat in an arms case.

Investigation Officer of the case and also Sub-Inspector of RAB-1, Shekhar Chandra Mallik, submitted the chargesheet before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court in Dhaka on Wednesday, court sources said.

On October 6, RAB arrested Samrat and his associate Arman from Chauddagram upazila in Cumilla.

Two kangaroo skins were found at the office of Jubo League leader Samrat at the Bhuiyan Trade Centre in the city's Kakrail, and he was sentenced to six months under Wildlife (Preservation and Security) Act, 2012 by a mobile court led by RAB Executive Magistrate Sarwar Alam.

Besides kangaroo hides, a large amount of foreign liquor, yaba, arms and bullets were recovered from the office.

Two cases – one under the Arms Act and another under the Narcotics Control Act – have been filed against Samrat at Ramna Police Station.

After the launch of the anti-casino drive in the capital on September 18, the name of the Jubo League leader came to light.

Many, including members of the law enforcers, suspect that Samrat is the king of the casino business in Dhaka. Moreover, there are also allegations of tender manipulation and extortion against him.

Following the anti-casino drive, Samrat stayed in his office at Bhuiyan Mansion in Kakrail and hundreds of supporters guarded him during his stay there.

Then the mystery of Samrat's whereabouts was created. However, at that time, the law enforcers said that the Jubo League leader was under their watch.

On September 24, the government imposed a travel ban on Samrat. Bangladesh Bank also sought details of his bank accounts.