Daulatpur Shyampur outpost IC accused of intimidation, bribery, collusion in drug trade
Belal Hossain, Kushtia
Serious allegations of intimidation, bribery and collusion with drug dealers have been made against SI Ashiq, the in-charge (IC) of Shyampur police outpost in Daulatpur upazila of Kushtia.
Local residents have drawn the attention of higher authorities to investigate the matter and take immediate action.
According to local sources, Khorshed, a Saudi expatriate from Shehala village in Daulatpur upazila, recently returned to the country. It is alleged that SI Ashiq and his accomplices raided Khorshed's house and threatened to frame him in a drug case under the pretext of searching and demanded a bribe of three lakh taka. Although the family initially paid 50,000 taka, Khorshed's relatives claim that they are preventing him from staying at home as he could not pay the remaining amount.
According to Khorshed's family, at 11:30 pm on June 27, SI Ashiq again demanded a bribe and at around 1 am on July 15, kicked the gate of Khorshed's house and abused him. It is alleged that he comes almost every night and abuses the family members with obscene language.
Zamir Uddin, a small businessman from the same village, said, "SI Ashiq demanded a bribe of one lakh taka from me. If I did not pay the money, he threatened to frame me in various cases. I am terrified by this incident."
Local social activist Momirul Islam said, "SI Ashiq regularly accepts bribes from drug dealers. When I protested, he threatened me and threatened to frame me in a false case."
In addition, local teachers, community representatives and students have alleged that SI Ashiq is a controversial police officer. He extorts money by intimidating people and harasses them by filing cases against them if anyone protests.
Citing reliable sources, it is learnt that while SI Ashiq was on duty in July, he was in regular contact with drug dealers in Shehala, Goalgram and Natna Para and surrounding areas and was involved in illegal activities involving meat. Recently, after he took charge again at Shyampur outpost, the gang has become active again.
A college teacher, who did not wish to be named, said, “When I personally went to inform him about some irregularities, he behaved badly and said, ‘My home is in Bogra, you will talk to me after calculating.’”
The question from the locals is - by what 'power' can a controversial police officer return to his previous workplace and remain involved in bribery and drug trafficking?
In this regard, OC of Daulatpur Police Station said, "I have just arrived and I have not informed anyone, but if the matter is investigated and the allegations are proven, action will be taken according to the law."
On the other hand, Shyampur outpost SI Ashiq said, "I am the IO of a case. That is why rumors are being spread against me. I do not want to say anything more about this matter, which will be reported to the higher authorities."
The local people have sought the intervention of the Superintendent of Police of Kushtia, the DIG of Khulna Range and the Inspector General of Police. They have demanded a departmental investigation against SI Ashiq and appropriate legal action.
