The Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) Monday arrested Mahbub from Kanchannagar in Fatikchhari and handed him over to Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The associate of the prime accused Kashem Chairman fell sick soon after the handover Tuesday night.

The CID, which is probing the case, will further interrogate Mahbub after he is discharged from CMCH for giving contradictory statements.

Mahbub, also a listed top criminal of the district, told the Rab during interrogation that Jamal was killed as the demand for ransom was not met. He also claimed to have heard that the magnate was still alive in custody of some indigenous criminals.

On the other hand, he told reporters that he was not involved in the abduction and expressed his ignorance about Jamal, who was picked up on July 24 last year.

However, both the Rab and CID claimed they have enough information about Mahbub's involvement in the case.

Nazma Begum, Jamal's wife, told The Daily Star that Kashem handed over her husband to Mahbub before he went into hiding.

Nazma and her son Chowdhury Farman Reza Liton said they will talk to Mahbub when he feels better and try to persuade him for more information.