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Gurudaspur (Natore), June 3, 2025: A serious allegation has surfaced against Sub-Inspector (SI) Abu Zafar Mridha of Gurudaspur Police Station in Natore, who is accused of demanding a bribe of BDT 500,000 to remove the name of Russell Hossain, a US expatriate, from a case. The complainant, Russell Hossain, has lodged a written complaint with the Natore Police Superintendent, who has assured a thorough investigation and necessary action.
According to reports, on May 15, a group of miscreants assaulted Rubel Molla, son of brick kiln businessman Farid Molla, in the Chanchkoir Bazar area of Gurudaspur Municipality. An employee of Russell Hossain’s business was present at the scene during the incident. Consequently, Farid Molla filed a case on May 16, naming Russell as the prime accused. SI Abu Zafar Mridha was assigned to investigate the case.
Sources reveal that after taking charge of the investigation, SI Abu Zafar repeatedly visited Russell’s business establishment and contacted its manager, Golam Rabbi. On June 2, the SI allegedly called Rabbi and demanded BDT 500,000 to exclude Russell’s name from the case, insisting that BDT 100,000 be paid before Eid.
Golam Rabbi, the manager, stated, “I oversee Russell Bhai’s business operations. He was falsely implicated as the prime accused in an assault case. SI Abu Zafar has been constantly threatening me. On Monday night, he called and demanded BDT 500,000 to remove Russell Bhai’s name, with BDT 100,000 to be paid before Eid. I recorded the conversation and filed a written complaint with the Natore Police Superintendent for justice.”
Russell Hossain, whose father is a freedom fighter, expressed his shock and distress, saying, “I’ve been living in the US for a long time and run two businesses in Chanchkoir Bazar, managed by Golam Rabbi. I’m devastated to learn that I’ve been falsely named as the prime accused in an assault case despite being abroad. Even more alarming is that SI Abu Zafar demanded BDT 500,000 from my manager to drop my name. Such behavior from a police officer is shocking and painful. I urge the government, senior police officials, human rights organizations, and journalists to ensure a fair investigation and bring corrupt officers like SI Abu Zafar to justice.”
SI Abu Zafar Mridha denied the allegations, stating, “There’s no question of demanding money. These accusations are baseless.”
The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Gurudaspur Police Station, Asmaul Haque, claimed no knowledge of any bribe allegations related to the case.
Natore Police Superintendent Mohammad Amzad Hossain confirmed receiving the written complaint and assured that an investigation would be conducted promptly, with departmental action to follow if necessary.
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