A man has been arrested and sentenced to one month in jail for allegedly operating online gambling activities following a joint raid by the army, police, and district administration in Panchagarh.

The suspect, Abu Sattar, 25, was detained during an overnight raid that began late Wednesday (July 2) and continued until 2 am in the Raushnabagh area of the district town.

Authorities said 14 mobile phones, a laptop, and Tk 12 lakh across various digital IDs were seized during the operation. 

Sattar was later sentenced to one month in prison under the Gambling Act by a mobile court conducted on the spot by RDC Mizanur Rahman of the Panchagarh District Commissioner’s Office.

Major Mehedi Pias Joy, Camp Commander of the Panchagarh Army Camp, told Banglanews that the raid followed intelligence reports about illegal online gaming activities. 

“Evidence linking the suspect to online gambling was found, including devices and digital transactions. Such operations will continue,” he said.

RDC Mizanur Rahman confirmed that Sattar was caught red-handed during the operation. “He was involved in online gambling and casino-style games. After the raid, he was immediately tried and sentenced through a mobile court,” he added.

According to officials, Sattar, a resident of the Shinroad Bhujaripara area under Panchagarh Sadar Upazila, had been living in a rented flat in Raushnabagh with his wife, children, and brother-in-law. Locals said the family rarely stepped outside without urgent reason.

Investigators believe Sattar had been running online gambling operations for the past five years, earning around Tk 1 lakh per month.

The confiscated devices are currently in police custody.

SMS/