Mugger escapes after stabbing constable at CMCH

An alleged mugger escaped from police custody after stabbing an on-duty constable at Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH) last night.

The incident took place around 8:30pm inside Ward No 28 on the hospital's fifth floor, said Mohammad Solaiman, officer-in-charge of Panchlaish Police Station.

The fugitive, Imam Hossain Akash, 24, had been under police guard while receiving treatment after being admitted by Bandar police, he added.

According to police, around 12:30pm the same day, three muggers attacked Chinese national Li Xiang Feng in front of Gate No 5 of Chattogram Port. The attackers stabbed him in the knee and snatched his mobile phone and other belongings. Locals caught one of the muggers after a chase and handed him over to police following a severe beating.

Both Li and Akash were taken to CMCH for treatment.

Akash was being watched by three policemen in the ward.

Witnesses said he initially pretended to be in critical condition but gradually regained strength while interacting with the officers. His aunt also visited him at night. Several of his associates, reportedly armed with knives, were seen loitering near the ward but went unnoticed by police.

Locals later caught one of Akash's aides, identified as his aunt Asma, and handed her over to police.

This correspondent tried to contact the officer-in-charge of Bandar Police Station, but he did not respond to phone calls.

A case has been filed with the police station in connection with the incident.