The Special Response Battalion (SRB) is targeting the masterminds and key members of teen gangs instead of relying on a shortcut approach to dismantling such criminal groups, said SRB-2 Commander Additional DIG Naimul Hasan.

He made the remarks while responding to reporters at a press conference at the SRB media centre in Karwan Bazar on Monday (September 28) afternoon.

Naimul said arresting the key members of teen gangs weakens the groups, but a long-term strategy is needed to prevent them from regrouping and continuing criminal activities.

“You cannot expect the desired result if you seek a shortcut solution,” he said, adding that SRB’s research and development cell is working to identify the reasons behind the formation and activities of such groups.

Meanwhile, SRB-2 arrested Arman Hossain Arman, 21, a top leader of the Arman-Shahrukh gang and the third accused in the murder case of Patali gang member Farhad in Keraniganj.

A samurai allegedly used in the killing was recovered from his possession. Four more samurais were recovered from his rented house, while a foreign-made pistol and a magazine were recovered from a temporary tin-shed used by workers in Mohammadpur’s Katasur area based on information provided by Arman.

According to the police, Arman and his associates entered a salon in Arshinagar, Keraniganj, on September 15, opened fire and hacked Farhad with a machete. Farhad later died at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

Naimul stated police intensified intelligence surveillance after the murder and arrested Arman from the Buddhi­jibi 1 Road area of Mohammadpur in the early hours of Monday.

He said raids are continuing to arrest other accused, including Sabbir and Sohel.

Arman has five cases against him with Mohammadpur Police Station over allegations including rioting, theft, attempted murder and intimidation. He had also been arrested several times earlier.

Naimul added SRB expects Arman will not be able to exploit legal loopholes to get out this time.