I have nothing to do, the investigation officer of Gazipur's Sreepur model police station said in response to claims of his releasing a motorcycle thief in exchange of money.
“It is my duty to catch thieves, it is the OC sir who is in charge of letting them go. What will I do?” Mohosinul Kadir told journalists on Tuesday evening.
Motorcycle theft has increased alarmingly in the Sreepur upazila municipality, with at least seven stolen in the past week. However, only one case was lodged in this regard.
In addition, allegations arose that Sreepur model police released two thieves in the past week in exchange of a large bribe.
Sreepur model police Sub-Inspector Khorshed Alam detained one thief Shaon with a stolen motorbike on Monday, sources said. However, he was released for Tk50,000 that night.
On January 21, Khorshed held another thief from Rajbari. He was said to have been released in exchange of Tk40,000.
The seven motorcycles stolen included those owned by Khalilur Rahman, a teacher of Kewa Kalim Uddin Government Primary School, First Security Bank Limited official Mokhter, Kazi Alam, Shahidul Islam Mukti, Awal Mondal, Alhaz Mokter Hossain and others.
Despite complaints, police said to have taken up lethargic efforts for action regarding this matter. Allegations have arisen that they have let go thieves after capture.
Sub-Inspector Khorshed Alam said Shaon was nabbed as a suspect. “He was released upon order from high-ups, but I do not know of any money exchange.”
The Sreepur model police station officer-in-charge said one case was filed for three stolen motorcycles. There has also been a case over one recovery.