Among the top wanted criminals, Fazal Huq and Bidhan Barua, who operate in crime prone Raozan in separate groups, have gone into hiding, said police and local sources.

Fazal Huq and Bidhan groups maintain a strong pull with Raozan reportedly backed by a ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) stalwart and his brother, who had joined the party in 1996,sources said.

Besides, Abu Tayab and Osmanul Huq, who are based in Fatikchhari, have also disappeared from the locality, police and local sources said.

Sources said both of them reportedly fled to India after Rab members had started raiding Fatikchhari and arrested Jamaat-backed criminals Bhagina Ramjan, Jamai Faruk and Babul.

Tayab and Osman, who are of Bangladesh Chhatra League allegiance, reportedly used to be shielded by an influential local Awami Leaguer.

Meanwhile, Commander of Rab's Chittagong unit, Lt Col Kazi Emdadul Huq said efforts to free Chittagong from crime are on. He said his men are going allout to arrest the rest of the listed criminals in Raozan and Fatikchhari.

Meanwhile, locals of Raozan demanded immediate arrest of Fazal Huq and Bidhan Barua.

They said death of Jan-e-Alam and his aides has relieved some of their fear and anxiety for the time being.

"If the rest are arrested, we'll have nothing to panic," said a resident of Raozan seeking anonymity.

The municipality election in Raozan slated for October 6 is now expected to be held in a better atmosphere as fear of attacks by terrorists has diminished much with the wiping out of Jan-e-Alam gang.

Jan-e-Alam was a candidate for the post of commissioner of ward No.nine at Raozan municipality.