Massive CC Block Theft Hits Tk 97-Crore Road Project in Shantiganj

Thousands of Cement Concrete (CC) blocks have been reported stolen from a major road construction site in Shantiganj upazila, hindering a significant government infrastructure project.

The theft occurred in broad daylight at the Thakurbhog shelter center grounds, where the blocks were stored for the Taila-Thakurbhog road development.

The contracting firm, ‘Ms. Mominul Haque, MA Wahed JB’, is currently implementing a Tk 97.77-crore project under the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) for the 2024-25 fiscal year. The project includes a 2,600-meter RCC road and protection walls.

Anwar Kha, the site’s night watchman, reported seeing a local man, Ali Hossain, transporting a large number of blocks away in a Mahindra vehicle on Tuesday afternoon. "I called out to him, but he did not stop," Anwar stated. Kanak Dutta, the site manager, later confirmed that approximately 4,000 to 5,000 blocks were missing. He noted that previous thefts at the site included one ton of rods and a vehicle battery.

The accused’s father, Matlib Mia, denied the allegations of large-scale theft. He claimed his son took only 50–60 blocks to stabilize a muddy path in the haor (wetland) so his vehicle could transport harvested paddy for local farmers.

Upazila Engineer Sajedul Alam confirmed that an LGED team verified the theft after being notified by the contractor. "The allegations are true. I have instructed the contracting company to take immediate legal action," the engineer said. The manager of the firm confirmed they are in the process of filing a formal case with the Shantiganj Police Station.