Kaukhali Correspondent, CHT News
Sunday, June 28, 2026
Two women from Levapara village in Ghagra Union of Kaukhali Upazila, Rangamati District, have allegedly been detained by armed members of the PCJSS (Santu Group), who are demanding a ransom of BDT 600,000 for their release.
The women were identified as Rupna Chakma, 36, wife of Dharma Mohan Chakma, and Kobita Chakma, 24, wife of Tunggo Chakma. Both are residents of Levapara village.
According to local sources, at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 28, 2026, the two women went to collect firewood from the site of the former Army camp in Levapara. A group of PCJSS (Santu Group) members had reportedly been staying there since the previous night.
As soon as the women arrived, the armed group allegedly detained them. The captors are reportedly demanding BDT 300,000 from each woman, totaling BDT 600,000, for their release. They have allegedly contacted the victims’ families and village elders by phone, instructing them to bring the ransom money.
Local residents said that Jayanta Chakma, son of Bagh Gudeye Chakma, a locally known criminal who reportedly joined the PCJSS (Santu Group) from Chelachhara village two months ago, informed community elders of the ransom demand by telephone.
According to local sources, a group of 40 to 50 armed PCJSS (Santu Group) members entered Noa Adam village on Saturday night.
As of the time of filing this report, residents said the armed group remained in the Noa Adam and Levapara areas after splitting into two or three smaller groups.
Residents further alleged that, to facilitate the movement of PCJSS (Santu Group) members into the area, two Bangladesh Army units had been stationed simultaneously at Harangi High School and Panchhari High School for two nights beginning Thursday, June 25. They claimed that shortly after the Army personnel left on Saturday (June 27), armed PCJSS (Santu Group) members entered the area that same night.
Local residents also alleged that despite the armed group’s open presence, no visible action has been taken by the authorities.
—————
