Allegations of Bribery and Drug Recovery Follow Selective Railway Eviction

Serious allegations of corruption have surfaced against local influential figures and certain railway officials following an eviction drive in the Polo Ground Railway Colony area of Chattogram. Critics claim that while various illegal structures were demolished, specific warehouses used for drug storage were intentionally spared.

Recently, the Railway Eastern Region’s Divisional Estate Officer, Khorshed Alam, led an operation to clear occupied railway land. However, several warehouses located under the Tiger Pass-Dewanhat bridge remained untouched. Locals allege these structures were excluded from the eviction list in exchange for a bribe of approximately 1 lakh BDT. A railway official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the warehouses were originally slated for demolition but were bypassed for "unknown reasons."

When questioned, Khorshed Alam denied the allegations, challenging complainants to provide proof and stating he would resign if the claims were validated. While he initially ended the call abruptly, he later invited the reporter for a formal discussion at his office.

The situation escalated late last night when the Metropolitan Detective (DB) Branch conducted a raid in the same area. Under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner Md. Mahbub Alam Khan, detectives recovered 744 cans of beer from a warehouse in the Polo Ground Colony.

One individual, identified as Mohammad Rubel, was arrested during the operation. A case (No. 10, dated April 5, 2026) has been filed with the Kotwali Police Station. The recovery of narcotics from the very site allegedly spared during the eviction has sparked public demand for an impartial investigation into the potential nexus between illegal occupants and administrative officials.