ACC files case against 11 police personnel over ration centre corruption in Jhalakathi

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a case against 11 police personnel, including four inspectors, over alleged embezzlement of nearly Tk 3.94 crore from a police ration centre in Jhalakathi.

The case was filed on Thursday by ACC Assistant Director Md. Zakir Hossain of the Pirojpur Integrated District Office.

According to the case statement, the accused allegedly created 252 fake ration cards and used them to withdraw ration supplies from the Police Lines ration centre in Jhalakathi between 2013 and December 2021.

The accused include former mess manager Md. Alauddin; Police Inspectors Arif Mahmud, Md. Al Mamun, Md. Rezaul Karim and Kazi Rajiul Zaman; Constables Md. Atiur Rahman, Md. Saiful Islam and Mehedi Hasan; Office Assistant Md. Toufiq Elahi; Warehouseman Md. Zahir Uddin; and Sales Assistant Syed Jasim Uddin.

Investigators say the group allegedly misused their official positions to fraudulently withdraw ration materials using the fake cards, causing a loss of Tk 3 crore 94 lakh 40 thousand 885 to the government.

The case has been filed under relevant sections of the Penal Code and Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1947.

ACC official Zakir Hossain said further individuals may also be accused if evidence emerges during the investigation.

Meanwhile, Md. Mizanur Rahman said the accused officers are currently posted in different districts. He added that the police department will take action according to rules if the allegations are proven.