The Rapid Action Battalion (Rab 7) today detained 35 Rohingyas, including 18 women and children, in Patenga of Chattogram after they allegedly fled Bhasan Char.

The detainees were later handed over to the police for further legal procedures.

Confirming the incident, Rab 7 Media Officer ARM Mozaffar Hossain told The Daily Star, "Acting on a tip-off, Rab members spotted the group walking along a street with their belongings."

He said that, during preliminary questioning, the detainees admitted to escaping from Bhasan Char and arriving in Chattogram by engine boat.

"We are currently verifying their identities and claims," he added.

Shafiqul Islam, officer-in-charge of Patenga Police Station said, "Rab detained the Rohingyas and handed them over to us. They will be sent back to the Rohingya camp in Cox's Bazar."