A police officer was detained in Jhenaidah’s Kotchandpur after allegedly threatening a shopkeeper who demanded payment for a mobile banking transaction sent from his shop.
The incident occurred around 3:30pm on Tuesday at Munshi Bakery on Dudhsar Road in Kotchandpur municipality, according to police and local traders.
Police said the detained officer was identified as Nazmul, who is reportedly posted in Bagerhat district.
Kotchandpur Police Circle Additional Superintendent of Police Md Sayem Yusuf said local traders handed over the officer to Kotchandpur Police Station after allegations of unprofessional behaviour at a mobile banking service outlet.
“His identity is being verified and the matter has been reported to higher authorities,” he said.
He added that departmental action would be taken once his identity is confirmed.
“Although he is posted in another district, his conduct while wearing the uniform has tarnished the image of the police,” he said.
Munshi Bakery owner Md Yadul Munshi said the uniformed officer came to the shop around 3pm and sent Tk4,600 to a bKash number through the mobile banking service.
After completing the transaction, the officer reportedly said he did not have cash and asked the shopkeeper to accompany him to an ATM booth to withdraw the money.
When they went to the booth, no money was found in his card account, he said.
Munshi said the officer later paid Tk3,000 but delayed paying the remaining amount.
“At one stage he threatened to shoot me and warned that I would face police harassment if I insisted on the payment,” said Munshi.
He said nearby traders gathered after hearing about the incident and later took the officer to the Kotchandpur police circle office.
The traders then handed him over to Kotchandpur Police Station, he added.
