Locals claim that Chowkidar Bakkar of Ward No. 4 of Dochhari Union of Naikhongchari Upazila of Bandarban Hill District has been accused of extorting money from smugglers by impersonating law enforcement agencies for a long time.

In a recent Yaba seizure incident, serious allegations of ‘Yaba loot’ and abuse of power have been made against him. The matter has created a stir in the area. According to local sources and eyewitnesses, after seizing a consignment of Yaba smugglers on February 20, Chowkidar Bakkar took it to his residence.

It is alleged that out of 10,000 pieces of Yaba in a bundle (one cut), more than 8,000 pieces were removed and the remaining less than 2,000 pieces of Yaba tablets were handed over to the concerned person, according to Naikhongchari Police Station sources.

It is reported that after receiving the news of the incident, some members of a state intelligence agency and a journalist reached the spot and recorded a video.

In the video footage in the hands of the journalists, it can be seen that the accused, holding a bundle of Yaba, is shouting at the village police officer, claiming that he is equivalent to the rank of the OC of the police. On February 21, a few eyewitnesses were spoken to on the spot.

They alleged that after the arrest, Yaba was taken to the residence and later handed over to the police by showing a smaller quantity. They demanded exemplary punishment subject to a fair and impartial investigation.

In this regard, Naikhongchari Upazila Executive Officer Muhammad Mazharul Islam Chowdhury tried to get a statement by sending a short message on his mobile phone WhatsApp and could not get a statement. Extortion or misappropriation of seized evidence using the name of the law enforcement agency is a serious crime.

According to experts, if the allegations are proven, it falls under the ambit of a criminal offense and departmental and legal action can be taken against the person concerned.

The allegations against Chowkidar Bakkar surrounding the Yaba seizure in Dochhari Union of Naikhongchari have raised questions in the public mind.

The locals believe that an impartial investigation is now the only hope for uncovering the truth. The accused Chowkidar Bakkar denied these allegations.