A refrigerator seized in a theft case has been recovered from the residence of a sub-inspector of police in Singra upazila, sparking widespread controversy and prompting a departmental investigation.
Local residents of Singra said the incident has raised serious questions, as the seized appliance was allegedly taken to the police officer’s rented house after being recovered during a patrol operation. District police authorities have since ordered a probe into the matter.
According to victim family members and local sources, around one and a half months ago, Masum Ali, son of drug addict Jamal Uddin of Chandpur area in Singra municipality, allegedly stole a refrigerator and other items from his elder brother Munser Ali’s house.
While transporting the stolen goods in a van late at night, Sub-Inspector Nazrul Islam, who was on patrol near Singra bus stand, stopped the vehicle. Masum Ali managed to flee during questioning, but the refrigerator was seized on the spot.
Allegations later emerged that SI Nazrul Islam took the refrigerator to his rented residence. Witnesses Saju and Abu Hanif claimed that the appliance was moved to the officer’s house with the help of several locals.
It is further alleged that Masum later visited the officer’s residence and admitted to the theft, after which the SI purchased the refrigerator for Tk11,500. Locals also claimed that signatures were taken on a Tk300 stamp paper during the transaction.
When the incident became public, members of the victim’s family approached the police station seeking recovery of the goods. Munser Ali’s mother, Morsheda Begum, said they later learned that the refrigerator was in the possession of SI Nazrul Islam.
“Later, through an amicable settlement at the Singra Circle office, we got the refrigerator back on Saturday after returning the money,” she said.
When asked whether any money was required to retrieve the appliance, she said, “Does anything happen without money, my son?”
Attempts were made throughout Saturday to contact SI Nazrul Islam at Singra Police Station, but he could not be reached. Local sources said he has remained out of contact since the incident came to light.
Singra Police Station Officer-in-Charge Rafiqul Islam told journalists that the SI claimed he had purchased the refrigerator by paying its price. However, he also remarked that buying goods from a drug user and listed thief was inappropriate, and requested that the matter not be widely publicised considering the reputation of the police force.
Natore Superintendent of Police Mohammad Shariful Haque said an investigation has been ordered.
“After learning about the matter, the Additional Superintendent of Police of Singra Circle has been instructed to investigate. If the allegations are proven, strict action will be taken against the officer concerned,” he said.
