OC closed over series of allegations in Jashore's Chaugachha

Bangladesh Police

Benapole, Dec 30 -Payel Hossain, officer-in-charge of Jashore's Chaugachha Police Station, has been closed to police lines on allegations of torture, extortion, and harassment.

Besides, a three-member investigation committee, led by Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) Ruhul Amin, has been formed to probe the allegations against Payel, said Jashore Superintendent of Police, Ziauddin Ahmed.

The committee has been asked to submit its report within the next five working days, and if the allegations are proven, departmental action will be taken, he added.

He further said that the activities of OC Payel have severely tarnished the image of the police force.

OC Payel Hossain was transferred from Dhaka's Ramna Police Station to Chaugachha Police Station on November 17. Since assuming his position, he has been accused of various abuses of power and misconduct.

One of the most serious allegations involves his raid on the house of Jasim Uddin, president of the Chaugachha Bus Owners Association, where he is accused of demanding Tk 1 crore in extortion.

Following the raid, Jasim Uddin was allegedly implicated in several cases for failing to pay the demanded amount.

In another case, Payel Hossain reportedly arrested Manik Hossain, a businessman from Bhadra village, and instead of placing him in jail, he allegedly tortured him in his personal bungalow.

During this time, Payel is said to have demanded Tk 5 lakh from Manik’s wife, which was subsequently paid. Manik was later handed over to court with a remand application in an arms case.

The scandal deepened when a video surfaced on social media, showing OC Payel in a compromising situation with a woman.

It is reported that the woman had recently separated from her husband. Taking advantage of her vulnerability, Payel allegedly made inappropriate advances, including pressuring her to stay with him. When she refused, he reportedly threatened to file a case against her and have her jailed.

When asked about the video, OC Payel Hossain denied the allegations, claiming he was the victim of a conspiracy and had been "trapped."-UNB