Police have arrested a woman in Amtali upazila of Barguna on charges of defrauding people by posing as a government social services officer and allegedly embezzling money in exchange for promises of benefits.
The arrested woman was identified as Zakia Sultana, 35. She was detained from a rented house in Barguna town on Monday afternoon.
Police said the accused allegedly deceived people by promising to arrange deep tube wells, family cards, and benefits under VGF, VGD, as well as widow, old-age and maternity allowance schemes.
Authorities said Zakia Sultana had long been introducing herself as an Upazila Social Services officer and assuring locals of access to various government welfare schemes in exchange for money. Over the past year, she is alleged to have embezzled around Tk 10 lakh from multiple individuals.
Following complaints lodged by at least 10 victims, including Jasim Mia of Shakharia area in Amtali, police launched an investigation. Acting on information and using information technology support, officers later traced her location and arrested her.
Amtali Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abu Shahadat Md Hasnain Parvez said the woman had been detained on allegations of collecting money by falsely identifying herself as a social services officer.
