Authorities launch investigation into fuel theft from moving train in Rajshahi
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A video depicting the theft of fuel from a moving train wagon at Harian Railway Station in Rajshahi’s Paba Upazila has surfaced on social media, prompting railway authorities to launch an investigation. The incident occurred Tuesday morning at approximately 10:00 a.m., involving the Dhaka Mail Six Down train.
The 72-second video shows the train moving slowly through Harian station as several individuals use containers to siphon fuel from a wagon, subsequently passing the containers down to accomplices on the ground. According to railway officials, the wagons had been used to transport fuel to Rajshahi for intercity power cars. After offloading, two of the wagons were attached to the Dhaka Mail Six Down train for transit to Ishwardi. The train was scheduled for a brief three-minute stop at Harian station.
Local residents allege that fuel theft from wagons at the Harian station has been a recurring issue for a significant period. The individuals identified in the video footage are reportedly residents of the area surrounding the station. Among those named are railway wayman Kiran Ali, his brother Nayan Ali, and several others identified as Milon, Al-Amin, Nahid, Roxy, and Ripon.
When contacted, Ripon denied any involvement in the theft, claiming he was merely walking along the platform. He terminated the phone call after being informed that he appeared in the video footage and did not respond to further attempts to reach him. Kiran Ali claimed he was working near the Rajshahi University station at the time of the incident, asserting that the person seen in the video was his brother, Nayan Ali.
Harian Station Master Arif Hossain stated that he was preoccupied with coordinating the crossing of the Dhalarchar Express train from Pabna at the time of the theft. He noted that the Railway Nirapatta Bahini (RNB) and railway police are responsible for security and oversight at the station.
Ashabul Islam, Chief Commandant of the RNB for the Western Zone, confirmed that legal action is being pursued. He stated that a security team was dispatched to the scene, though they were unable to apprehend the suspects. He added that the individuals have been identified from the footage, and operations to arrest them are currently underway.
Western Zone General Manager of Bangladesh Railways, Farid Ahmed, said he has reviewed the video and believes the suspects likely offloaded the stolen fuel at a location in Rajshahi before exiting the train at Harian station. Authorities have initiated a preliminary investigation and intend to form a formal probe committee to ensure appropriate disciplinary and legal actions are taken once the incident is fully verified.
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