COX’S BAZAR, Mar 8, (V7N) – Villagers in Ukhia, Cox’s Bazar, foiled a robbery attempt early Saturday, arresting three youths and handing them over to police. An auto‑rickshaw used in the crime was also seized.

The incident occurred in Shafir Bil village of Jaliapalong Union when miscreants tried to enter a house after removing a cow from its shed. The householder alerted neighbors by announcing “robbers are coming” over the mosque loudspeaker. Villagers chased the group and captured three suspects – Syed Noor (25), Jasim Uddin (24) and Mohammad Raihan (25) – before handing them to police. SI Durjoy Sarkar of Inani Police Outpost confirmed the arrests and said a case has been filed at Ukhia Police Station.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, the Coast Guard and RAB rescued 32 people, including women and children, from a papaya orchard in Teknaf during a joint anti‑trafficking operation early Sunday. The victims were allegedly being held by traffickers for smuggling to Malaysia by sea. The gang escaped during the raid. Coast Guard Media Officer Lt. Cmdr. Sabbir Alam Sujan said the rescued persons revealed they had been promised jobs abroad. They were handed over to Teknaf Model Police Station for legal action.

In another incident, a fire broke out at the Caritas NGO office in Rohingya Camp No. 4, Kutupalong Madhurchhara, Ukhia, around 2 pm Sunday. Four fire service units brought the blaze under control within half an hour. Authorities said the office was completely destroyed, with losses estimated at Tk 50 lakh. No casualties were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Separately, the Home Minister arrived in Cox’s Bazar Sunday afternoon on a two‑day official visit to his home district. He was welcomed by district officials, law enforcement agencies and political leaders. The minister inspected a police guard of honor and is scheduled to attend the District Law and Order Committee’s monthly coordination meeting on March 9, which will review crime suppression, anti‑drug activities and overall law and order. His visit has generated enthusiasm among local leaders and administrators, who expect new directives to strengthen security in the district.

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