Broker flees after accepting bribe from ACC officials during sting operation in Khulna

A broker at the Khulna Sadar Sub-Registry Office fled the scene after allegedly receiving a bribe from officials of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) during a sting operation today (16 April).

As part of a planned operation targeting corrupt practices at the sub-registry office, ACC officials in disguise handed over a bribe to the broker, identified as Mehedi Hasan. 

Sensing the trap, Mehedi managed to escape before he could be apprehended, according to ACC officials.

In the morning, a team from the ACC's Khulna District Office observed activities at the sub-registry office while posing as regular visitors. Following the sting attempt, ACC officials questioned Sub-Registrar Tanmoy Kumar Mandal, Office Assistant Faruk Hossain, and several others regarding irregularities.

Speaking to reporters after the operation, ACC Assistant Director Rakibul Islam said brokers were found to be heavily involved in exploiting clients, often demanding excessive government fees. 

He added that there appeared to be a nexus between brokers and copyists, with evidence suggesting collusion in corrupt practices.

The ACC team reportedly found Tk70,000 in the bag of a copyist named Russel Shikder, who failed to provide a satisfactory explanation. Another copyist, Mita, was found in possession of fixed deposit receipts (FDRs) worth Tk12 lakh. 

"As she claimed she could justify the documents, the ACC granted her time to present supporting evidence," Rakibul said.

The ACC also found a number of financial transactions between Russel Shikder and Assistant Record Keeper Dipak Kumar Banerjee via mobile banking, raising further suspicions of internal collusion.

Rakibul said the ACC has discussed the findings with the district registrar, who has promised legal action against any copyists found guilty of malpractice. 

A comprehensive report will also be submitted to the ACC for further legal proceedings, the ACC assistant director added.