Munshiganj SI closed for reportedly extorting Tk1.5 lakh from five detainees, including DU student
The detainees were later released, reportedly after paying the money
A sub-inspector (SI) of Munshiganj's Sreenagar Police Station has been closed to the district police lines following allegations of detaining five individuals, including a Dhaka University (DU) student, and extorting Tk1.5 lakh from them.
The accused officer, SI Amir Hamza, was relieved of duty and attached to the police lines today (15 June), a day after the incident came to light.
Confirming the matter, the district's Additional Superintendent of Police Mohammad Kazi Humayun Rashid told the media that for the time being, the accused SI has been closed and attached to the district police lines.
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"We have become aware of the incident. An investigation has been initiated. If anyone is found to be involved, appropriate action will be taken," he added.
According to sources, on the night of 13 June, five individuals — Md Hanif (26), a fourth-year honours student of the Psychology Department under the Faculty of Science at Dhaka University, and his four companions Sampad Shikdar (25), Md Akash Sheikh (26), Md Antor (27), and Md Pannu (28), all residents of Bhagyakul village in Srinagar upazila — were detained by police near Goalimandra road while returning home from a visit to Mawa.
They were allegedly picked up around 10:30pm and taken to Srinagar Police Station. The next day, police reportedly demanded Tk5 lakh, threatening to implicate them in a drug case. Eventually, the detainees were released reportedly in exchange for Tk1.5 lakh.
Following their release, one of the detainees, Akash, recorded a video statement that was widespread on social media.
In the video, Akash claimed, "On Friday night, we were picked up by Amir Hamza sir. He settled the matter for Tk1.5 lakh. After receiving the money, we were released the next day."
Meanwhile, SI Amir Hamza denied the allegation, stating, "I was following orders. I detained the five individuals and recovered a switchblade from them. Yesterday at noon, the officer-in-charge [OC] initially instructed me to send them to court, but later asked me to release them."
However, Srinagar Police Station OC Shakil Ahmed refuted SI Hamza's claim.
"They were detained on suspicion. No switchblade was recovered. Since there were no charges, they were released after consultation with higher authorities. The money extortion allegation is false," the OC said.
