Police Officer Demands Bribe for Seized Goods in Audio Recording
Photo Collected
A police sub-inspector in Kalmakanda, Netrokona, has been recalled from duty, and a three-member investigation committee formed, following allegations of bribery in connection with the seizure of smuggled Indian cosmetics. The allegations emerged after two audio recordings, purportedly featuring the officer negotiating a bribe, went viral on Facebook late Wednesday night.
The widely circulated audio clips allegedly capture a conversation between Sub-Inspector (SI) Md. Abu Hanifa and Jasim Uddin, identified by police as the main culprit in the smuggling case. In the first 5-minute, 23-second recording, Jasim Uddin reportedly offers 80,000 taka to avoid a full case and to show only two sacks of goods officially seized. The voice attributed to SI Abu Hanifa allegedly insists on three lakh taka. A voice in the recording also mentions that the “OC sir” would not oppose the deal. The second audio, purportedly recorded at 1:41 AM and lasting 3 minutes 12 seconds, features the alleged officer lowering the demand to 2.5 lakh taka, with Jasim Uddin reportedly agreeing to 2 lakh taka while requesting more time. The officer’s voice is also heard cautioning against recording WhatsApp conversations on other phones.
বিজ্ঞাপন
District Police Superintendent Tariqul Islam confirmed to a local news outlet late Wednesday that SI Abu Hanifa was immediately recalled upon learning of the audio recordings. An investigation committee, headed by Additional Police Superintendent (Sadar Circle) Sajal Kumar Sarkar, has been tasked with submitting its report within three working days. Islam stated that departmental action would be taken against the SI if the allegations are proven true.
The bribery allegations stem from an operation late Tuesday night when police in Rangamatia, Nazirpur Union, seized 18 sacks of Indian body spray, shampoo, and olive oil from a pickup truck. The truck’s driver, Nasim (23), and his assistant, Monir Hossain (21), both from Nazirpur, were arrested during the raid. Subsequently, a case was filed against five individuals, including Jasim Uddin of Rajnagar village, whom police identified as the primary orchestrator of the smuggling operation.
বিজ্ঞাপন
The incident has sparked extensive discussion and criticism within the community, raising questions about police integrity. Attempts to reach both SI Abu Hanifa and Jasim Uddin for comment were unsuccessful as their mobile phones were found to be switched off. Md. Siddiq Hossain, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Kalmakanda Police Station, confirmed the withdrawal of SI Abu Hanifa and stated that the District Police Superintendent is overseeing the matter. He added that efforts are underway to apprehend Jasim Miah, while denying any personal involvement in the alleged bribery.
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