Extortion in the name of installing rural electric poles in Kalapara alleged

Electric poles in Kalapara

Patuakhali: An influential local syndicate has been accused of extorting money from more than 50 customers in the name of installing rural electricity poles in Kalapara, Patuakhali. The victims' family members said that such incidents took place in Islampur and Dakshin Charpara villages of Mithaganj Union of the upazila.                  

It is learned that the concerned authorities started the work of installing electricity poles in those villages through contractors. Taking this opportunity, a local syndicate extorted 2,000 taka from more than 50 customers in the name of transportation costs for installing the poles. The syndicate promised to provide connection with meter and gave an ultimatum to pay another 2,000 taka within a week, otherwise the electricity connection would not be provided.

The victim's family members, Tahmina Begum, Shahnaz Begum, Riaz Hawlader, and Zahid Farazi, alleged that they had borrowed money and given it to them in the hope of getting electricity connection during the monsoon season.

However, the accused Jubo Dal leader Riaz Sikder denied the allegations of extortion and said that the customers had voluntarily given some money for the workers' food expenses.

Upazila Jubo Dal convener Harun-or Rashid said that if the truth of this incident is found, organizational action will be taken against the accused Jubo Dal leader.

Kalapara Rural Electricity Association DGM Sheikh Abdur Rahman said that the work on the power line is ongoing by the government. There is no opportunity to take any money here. Legal action will be taken if allegations of extortion are received. - Gofran Palash