Police have arrested five people in connection with the killing of Imran Hossain in Dhalpur of Jatrabari, saying the murder took place over control of drug peddling and turf in the area.

The arrested are – Riyazul Islam alias Riyaz alias Kailla Riyaz, 31, Kamrul Hasan, 25, Md Saiful Hossain, 20, Md Jamil Mia Dolon, 35, and Mithu alias Doba Mithu, 35.

Mallik Ahsan Uddin Sami, deputy commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Wari division, disclosed the information at a press briefing at the DMP Media Centre on Wednesday.

He said police had recovered a pistol, two magazines, five rounds, six cocktails, three Chinese axes, two machetes, two switchblade knives and a Yamaha motorcycle from the arrested.

The incident took place at about 10:30pm on Sunday, September 6, when Imran and Saddam were sitting at a garage at Badal Sardar Goli in Dhalpur. A group of people wearing masks and helmets arrived on three motorcycles and opened fire at them, and later attacked them with sharp weapons.

Imran was killed on the spot while Saddam sustained serious injuries and is undergoing treatment at a hospital.

Imran’s wife filed a murder case with Jatrabari police station over the incident.

Police launched an investigation and conducted raids in different parts of Dhaka and Dhaka district.

On September 8, they arrested Riyazul, described by police as the main accused, in Par Gandaria Khejurbag area under South Keraniganj police station.

A pistol, two magazines, five rounds and a Yamaha motorcycle were recovered from his possession. Police suspect that the pistol was used in the killing. A Chinese axe was later recovered from under his bed based on information provided by him.

Based on Riyazul’s information, police arrested Kamrul and Saiful raiding Pathandogair area under Demra police station the same day. Six cocktails, two Chinese axes, two machetes and two switchblade knives were recovered from a rented house based on information provided by them.

Police also arrested Mithu with 70 yaba tablets on September 8 and Jamil Mia Dolon on September 9 in connection with the murder.

Separate cases were filed under the Arms Act with South Keraniganj police station and under the Explosives Act with Demra police station over the recovery of weapons and explosives. Another case was also filed under the Narcotics Control Act with Jatrabari police station over the recovery of yaba tablets. Four cases, including the murder case, have been filed in connection with the incident.

Police said the arrested people had several cases against them filed with different police stations. Riyazul has several cases related to robbery, snatching, arms and explosives, while Kamrul has cases related to theft, robbery and preparation for robbery. Mithu also has several cases related to drugs and preparation for robbery.

The deputy commissioner said drug spots in Dhalpur had previously allegedly been controlled by a group led by one Liton alias Shooter Liton, who is now in jail. His associate Khaki Babu was also arrested and sent to jail.

After their arrests, competition among several groups over control of drug trade and turf in the area intensified, police said.

Police said their preliminary investigation indicated that the killing was linked to the competition over control of drug trade and turf in the area.

Police are investigating the source of the recovered weapons, who supplied them and who else was involved in the killing. Raids are underway to arrest the other suspects.