Police and witnesses said nine persons wearing black clothing reached Noulibazar by microbus, No. Dhaka metro CHA-02-3236, at approximately 9pm on Monday night. They allegedly identified themselves as members of RAB and then sought out one Ohidul Mullik, owner of Bismillah Fish, hoping to realise a toll of Tk 2 lakh that they had previously demanded from him.

But Mullik challenged their authority and then contacted by phone a high RAB official, who confirmed the men were falsely identifying themselves as members of RAB. A physical altercation then ensued between local traders and the false RAB members, who were seriously beaten. Two of them managed to escape, while the others were handed over to the Abhoynagar thana police.

The seven arrested persons include three police constables identified as Amarat Ali (No. 276), Yar Ali (No. 266) and Litu Mia (297) of the police training centre, Khulna. Four others were identified as Ishrat Hossain of Jogipole village, Shiromoni, Khulna, Akbar of the same address, Asaduzzaman Asad of Kashipara village of Lalpur thana in Natore district and Lalmohon of Khulna.

Asaduzzaman Asad said he had brought the other eight persons with him to realise his dues from Ohidul Mullik. But Mullik denied this, saying Asad and his companions had demanded a toll of Tk 2 lakh.

The OC of Abhoynagar thana said the three police constables violated official rules by going to Noulibazar. Departmental punitive measures will be taken against them, he added.