A member of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)-9 was killed after being stabbed while attempting to stop a suspected snatcher fleeing from a police chase in Sylhet city on Friday.

The incident took place in the Topkhana area near Kin Bridge, under Kotwali police station, during the morning hours.

The deceased was identified as Imon Acharya, a constable of RAB-9. He was taken to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital in critical condition and later died around 1:30pm while undergoing treatment.

Police later arrested the accused, Asadul Alam Bappi, 22, son of Abul Hossain from the Kazirbazar area of Sylhet city. The knife used in the attack was also recovered, officials said.

According to law enforcement sources, a team from Sylhet Metropolitan Police was chasing a suspected snatcher near the western side of Kotwali police station when the suspect attempted to flee towards the Topkhana road.

At that moment, Imon Acharya, who was nearby in plain clothes for personal reasons, noticed the chase and moved in to assist police. As he tried to restrain the suspect, a scuffle broke out and the attacker allegedly stabbed him on the left side of his chest before attempting to escape.

The injured RAB member was immediately rushed to Osmani Medical College Hospital, where doctors fought to save his life. However, he later succumbed to excessive bleeding, hospital and RAB sources said.

RAB-9 Media Officer and Additional Superintendent of Police KM Shahidul Islam Sohag confirmed the incident and said the suspect was detained shortly after the attack during a police operation.

Meanwhile, residents expressed concern over the rising incidents of snatching and street crime around the Kin Bridge area, particularly during evening and late-night hours.

Locals alleged that criminals frequently target pedestrians and autorickshaw passengers in areas with limited surveillance. They urged authorities to strengthen patrol operations and increase CCTV monitoring to improve public safety.