Cox’s Bazar district police have formed an investigation committee over allegations that Ukhiya police released a drug dealer in exchange for money, falsely implicating an innocent employee, and underreported the number of seized yaba tablets.
The matter was confirmed by the district police spokesperson and Additional Superintendent of Police (DSB) Alok Biswas.
He said, “After media reports surfaced, the district police took the matter seriously and formed a committee. It has been instructed to submit its report promptly. If the allegations are proven, departmental action will follow.”
The committee is headed by Additional Superintendent of Police Md Rokibul Hasan of the Ukhiya Circle. He said, “We are verifying all relevant information, including CCTV footage. The report will be submitted very soon.”
The controversy arose after a 7 December report in daily newspaper titled ‘Five police involved in Cox’s Bazar yaba scandal’.
According to the report, a man named Uttam Kumar Biswas was released after being arrested on 30 November, while shop employee Harunur Rashid was falsely charged with possessing 600 yaba tablets and sent to jail.
The five police officers implicated include SI Sanjit Kumar Mondal, SI Farhad Rabbi Ishan, Constable Limon, Mahbub, and Sharif.
Unofficial sources allege that SI Ishan orchestrated the scheme, with other officers assisting and sharing in illicit gains.
Ishan had previously been withdrawn from Chokoria police station over bribery allegations before joining Ukhiya police. Despite a transfer to Kutubdia, he reportedly continued operational duties in Ukhiya, contributing to the scandal.
Attempts to contact SI Ishan were unsuccessful. Thana sources say he went on leave the day after the operation.
SI Sanjit, the complainant, declined to comment, citing restrictions outside the case statement.
