The outpost’s in-charge, Police Inspector Shobhan Kumar Saha, has strongly protested against the recent reports published in some online media outlets about Gorjania police outpost in Ramu upazila of Cox’s Bazar, calling it ‘extreme lies, malicious propaganda and a deep conspiracy to tarnish its reputation’.
In a written protest sent to the media on Sunday (December 7), he said that the allegations against him are ‘imaginary, baseless, unverified and designed to defame him personally.’
Regarding the news report quoting In-charge Shobhan Kumar Saha, he told this reporter, “During my term of office, I have intensified regular operations and patrols to prevent illegal activities in the border areas.
Under no circumstances does the question of my direct or indirect involvement in crimes like smuggling or extortion arise.
The information published in the news is nothing more than ‘deliberate distortion’.” He further claimed that an organized interest group is deliberately using his name to tarnish the image of the police.
“Action has been taken against those who tried to take illegal benefits by tarnishing the name of the police. Now they are the ones who are spreading propaganda out of revenge,” he said. Senior officer’s reaction A senior police officer, on condition of anonymity, said, “If someone commits an irregularity using the name of the police, the matter is definitely investigated. We are verifying the information that has come out in the news. No one can escape responsibility by spreading false information.” Additional Superintendent of Police (DSB)’s comment Cox’s Bazar Additional Superintendent of Police (DSB) and Media Focal Alok Biswas said, “Whether the allegation is true or false—everything is subject to investigation. It is against the law to campaign against someone without evidence. Journalism must be responsible, especially when it comes to publishing sensitive information surrounding law enforcement.” Reaction from social and local circles Some local residents of the Garjnia area, on condition of anonymity, said that the recent news has created mixed reactions in the area. While some have demanded an investigation, many feel that efforts should not be made to make the law enforcement agencies controversial by spreading propaganda. A local social worker said, “If the media publishes news without information and evidence, it creates confusion in the society. If there is a complaint, it should be investigated through proper process—that is the expectation.” Calling on the media to be responsible, In-charge Shobhan Kumar Saha urged the relevant online media outlets to work responsibly. He said, “Targeting the police by spreading false information not only hurts the institution but also the overall law and order system of the country.