A gang of 10 extortionists, including Mintu, Swapan and Labu, dug out the eyes of Emran Hossain, 30, at around 4:00pm as he declined to pay the gang their demanded money, witnesses said.

He was admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) in critical condition.

According to locals, Emran used to sell marijuana and phensidyle in Moulavibazar area and regularly paid local extortionists handsome amounts to run his business.

Lalbagh police were aware of the incident, but failed to provide details.

In the other incident in Syampur, a frenzied crowd held two alleged muggers and beat them up.

A band of four muggers waylaid trader Tajul Islam Khan at about 10:00am when he was waiting for a taxi in Dholaipar and tried to snatch Tk 50,000 from him, police said.

Hearing his cry for help, locals grabbed Pappu and Harun while Rana and Jewel fled, they added.

Police rescued them at around 11:30am.

Shyampur police sent Pappu to the DMCH and later shifted him to Orthopaedic Hospital and Harun was put into custody.