Extortion and Threat of False Case: Kalabagan OC Among 3 Officers Suspended

Mashiur Rashid Khan

The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Kalabagan Police Station, Moktaruzzaman, along with Sub-Inspectors (SI) Belal Uddin and Abu Huraira Jihan, has been temporarily suspended following serious allegations of extortion and threats to frame an individual in a false case. The suspension order was issued on Sunday by Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali, based on a complaint filed by Awami League activist Abdul Wadud.

On May 2, Abdul Wadud submitted a written complaint to the DMP Commissioner, stating that on the night of April 29, police from Kalabagan station, accompanied by a group of criminals, raided his residence on Sonargaon Road. He alleged that they looted his property and threatened to implicate him in a false case unless he paid them money. He named OC Moktaruzzaman and SI Belal in the complaint and demanded a fair and impartial investigation.

In response, suspended OC Moktaruzzaman told the media that Abdul Wadud, an active Awami League member, had been in hiding since August 5 and had recently returned home. On April 29, local BNP activists reportedly surrounded his house after learning of his return. BNP’s Ward 16 Secretary Md. Mainul allegedly informed the police, after which a patrol team was sent to the scene. Moktaruzzaman claimed that Wadud made no allegations of theft or damage at that time and only filed the complaint two days later with malicious intent. He also mentioned that the emergency call (999) to Kalabagan Police Station came long after the police had arrived at the scene, and he could not confirm if any officers from other stations were present.

DMP Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) S.N. Md. Nazrul Islam confirmed that a "mob incident" had occurred at a Kalabagan residence on April 29 and that two officers were suspended for failing to control the situation.

In his complaint, Abdul Wadud stated that around 10:30 PM on April 29, a group led by SI Belal and accompanied by 15–20 armed individuals forcefully entered his home. His manager called emergency services (999), prompting rapid response from Shahbagh and New Market police stations. However, Kalabagan OC Moktaruzzaman, who was present at the scene, reportedly instructed those teams to leave. Wadud further alleged that the OC ordered two individuals — a tenant named Lal Mia and the building’s night guard, Lutfur — to be taken away in a police vehicle. He claimed to possess CCTV footage and video evidence of the incident.

Wadud also alleged that when police attempted to break the third-floor door of his residence, he called the OC for help but was told to come to the station. When he opened the door, officers pulled him inside and demanded to know where he kept weapons and cash. At one point, an individual named Mannan allegedly told him he could avoid arrest if he paid 10 million BDT (1 crore). Eventually, after negotiations, he claimed to have paid 200,000 BDT and promised to pay the rest once banks reopened. During the overnight operation, police allegedly took laptops, a CCTV hard drive, a computer, and other valuables. While one laptop was later returned, the rest were not.

Kalabagan’s Investigation Officer Rafiqul Islam confirmed that OC Moktaruzzaman handed over his duties on Sunday and has been removed from his post.

Ramna Division Deputy Commissioner Masud Alam stated that DMP Headquarters has formed an investigation committee based on the complaint. Initially, the OC and two SIs were withdrawn and attached to the Ramna Division. They were later suspended. Further actions will be taken based on the investigation report. Regarding the alleged demand for money by a person named Mannan, police clarified that he is not a member of the force, and an inquiry into his role is ongoing.