Police of Rupganj has declared war against drug traders in Chanpara slum which is a haven for terrorists and depository for narcotics.

The law enforcers busted at least 300 drug dens in weeklong operation. More than 50 terrorists and drug dealers have been arrested. Over 500 criminals are taken to justice. The rest went into hiding. The situation of Chanpara slum has returned to normalcy.

According to police and local sources, Chanpara slum on the outskirts of capital, is known as a safe den for terrorists and drug dealers. There are at least 800 drug hideouts among the 40,000 small shacks. Besides, all kinds of crimes like arms trade, theft, robbery and prostitution are taken place there.

In the important cities including capital, there are 300 types of party operating in the capital and its vicinity hailing from the slum. They include dope group, robbers, hijackers and killers. 

There is a huge network of juvenile gangs. According to locals, these criminals are abused for some political purposes. A dozen groups have been formed to hold sway over this crime empire.

The name of this slum came into discussion in the recent murder of BUET student Fardin Noor Parsh.

Slum's don Bajlu member died in jail on April 1 this year after being arrested in connection with the murder. Later, several groups including slum’s Joynal Group, Samsher Group, Sahabuddin Group, Shawna Group, Raihan Group, Robin Group, Yasmeen Group, and Datbhanga Rabbi Group started a bloody fight to establish supremacy. Many deaths and injuries are reported from the clashes.

The conflict started again when the head of the Samsher group was elected member of the Chanpara UP on June 12. This led to month-long police drive in the slum. At least 500 terrorists and drug dealers have been accused in 16 cases in various incidents.

The common people have heaved sigh of relief due to police action and hailed Superintendent of Police Golam Mostafa Russell and Rupganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge AFM Sayed.

Mahfuzur Rahman, a furniture trader in Chanpara, said, "Earlier, incidents of looting were rampant. Terrorists used to loot the goods of shops. Now, we have got rid of fear following police action."

This type of opinion was learnt after talking to several people in various wards of Chanpara.

About drive in the slum, AFM Syed, OC of Rupganj Police Station, said, “Under the guidance of SP Golam Mostafa Russell and Senior ASP (C-Circle) Md Abir Hossain, we have started crusade against drug dealers and terrorists in Chanpara for a month. We are conducting operations wherever we get information on drug peddlers and other terrorists.”