No information on whether Arav Khan is detained in Dubai: IGP

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun on Saturday said they have no information on whether Dubai police arrested Rabiul Islam alias Arav Khan, the absconding accused in a police murder case.

Responding to a query from journalists after an Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU) programme at a hotel in Karwan Bazar in the capital, the IGP said, "We do not have any information on whether Arav is detained there or not."

He said a red notice has been issued against Arav Khan alias Rabiul Islam Apon, the gold trader in Dubai.

Chowdhury Mamun said communication with Interpol and Dubai police is still underway in this connection.

Asked about whether there will be any problem in bringing Arav back as he is now holding an Indian passport, the IGP said, "We are working on it."

On April 11, 2019, the detective branch of police submitted a charge sheet against 10 people, including Arav alias Rabiul in connection with the murder of Mamun Imran Khan, the then inspector of the special branch of the police.

His body was packed in a sack and taken to a forest in Ulukhola, Gazipur, doused in petrol and set on fire, according to the case documents.

In the charge sheet, police said that a gang led by Rabiul used to trap affluent people, blackmail and extort money from them.

According to police sources, he started a gold business in Dubai with financial help from a former senior retired police officer.

He came to the limelight following media reports that cricketer Shakib Al Hasan was visiting Dubai to attend the inauguration programme of his jewellery shop there.

After seeing Arav on a Facebook post, many people recognised him as Rabiul Islam, the fugitive murderer accused. Discussions started on how an absconding accused went to Dubai and made a hefty amount of money.

On 23 March, Interpol put Arav Khan on its red notice. "Arav Khan, a 35-year-old Bangladeshi, is wanted by law enforcement entities of Bangladesh over murder charges," the Interpol website read.

However, an official from Interpol stationed at the Bangladesh Police Headquarters said Arav Khan's extradition wouldn't be possible until India cancels his passport.

Meanwhile, a Detective Branch official said a letter will be sent to the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh, requesting them to cancel the fake Indian passport of the fugitive.