A Rohingya man was arrested for allegedly using a Bangladeshi mobile phone by Burma Border Guard Police (BGP) in Maungdaw, Arakan State according to Juhar from Aley Than Kyaw Village.
He said: "BGP from Aley Than Kyaw police camp went to Khonzabill Village and arrested him in front of school on 3 September while he was gossiping with friends."
The arrested man was identified as Abul Hashim (25), son of the late Mohamed Shaker, from Khonza Bill Village of Aley Than Kyaw Village Tract in Maungdaw Township.
As soon as he was arrested Abul Hashim was severely beaten on the spot by the BGP. They then alleged that he had been using a Bangladeshi mobile phone, said a police aide.
On hearing of the arrest the village administration officer and other villagers rushed to the spot to rescue Abu Hashim from the BGP, said one of his relatives.
However, the BGP demanded a lot of money to release Abul Hashim. He was later released the same day after having given the BGP 500,000 kyats, according to the relative.
An ex-administrative officer from Maungdaw South said that the harassment of Rohingyas has not stopped and is increasing every day.
Recently, the BGP have been harassing Rohingyas travelling between Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships by planting Bangladeshi SIM cards in their bags and then demanding 500,000 to 600,000 kyats to release them, said a traveller who wished to remain anonymous.
Edited in English by Mark Inkey for BNI
