•Graft allegations tarnishing image of the force, say experts
•Investigation and trial proceedings are lengthy
Additional DIG Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Shimul, who works in the Special Branch (SB) of the police, is under investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for amassing a staggering fortune through illegal means.
Azam Ali Khan from Gopalganj accused the SB officer of acquiring huge sums of illegal wealth, including his luxurious duplex in Gopalganj, a multi-storey house in Dhaka's Farmgate, and a lavish 6,000-square-foot floor in Gulshan worth Tk15 crore. In a complaint submitted to the ACC on August 7, 2023, he provided deed numbers, marks, and photos of various properties owned by Shimul.
After verifying the complaint, the ACC decided to investigate his assets. Additionally, Shimul has been accused of using a fake freedom fighter certificate to secure his job.
Shimul's case is not an isolated instance of corruption within the ranks of the law enforcement agencies.
Former IGP Benazir Ahmed is now the talk of the country due to allegations of corruption and significant accumulation of wealth.
Now, the anti-corruption watchdog has been on the hunt to bring to justice individuals who are responsible for people’s safety.
Long list
The ACC's investigation list includes officials of various ranks, such as DIG, additional DIG, SP, additional SP, ASP, inspector, SI, ASI, and constable.
Allegations against them include abusing power, accepting bribes, abetting terrorists, and acquiring illegal wealth.
On May 20, a case was filed against Mehedi Hasan, a police constable working in the office of the Superintendent of Police, Natore, at the Rajshahi Integrated District Office of the ACC.
Mehedi Hasan allegedly falsified documents to show a loan of Tk18 lakh to legitimize his illegal wealth. The ACC discovered that all the documents were fake, and Hasan was accused of acquiring illegal wealth worth Tk62 lakh.
ACC sources said cases are being filed against many officials after thorough investigations. Some chargesheets have already been submitted to the court. Allegations against policemen include misuse of power, bribery, corruption, and accumulating wealth beyond known income sources.
The Business World
Comments
Post a Comment