Stones looted at Sada Pathor: ACC launches open investigation

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has announced that it has launched an open investigation into the looting of stones from the popular tourist spot Sada Pathor in Sylhet, in order to determine those responsible.

ACC Director General Md Akhter Hossain confirmed the development to journalists yesterday.

Explaining the commission's decision to begin the inquiry, he said, "An enforcement drive was carried out by us regarding this matter. At the end of that operation, the report recommended further investigation. After reviewing the report, the commission has decided to launch a formal inquiry."

Earlier reports based on that operation alleged involvement of local administration and political leaders in the looting of stones.

Asked whom the investigation would target, the ACC director general replied, "The open investigation is being conducted to determine accountability. Based on documents and evidence, inquiries will be carried out against those found to be involved."

A senior ACC official said, "When the issue was raised at the ACC commission meeting on Tuesday, the commission decided to launch an open investigation."

According to the enforcement report on the stone looting, "The officer-in-charge and members of the concerned police station received various amounts of commission from illegal stone traders and actively facilitated the looting at Sada Pathor."

The report also revealed the involvement of 53 individuals, including leaders of different political parties, other individuals, and government institutions.

On August 13, a team led by ACC Sylhet office Deputy Director Rafi Md. Najmus Sadat visited the Sada Pathor area. The team later submitted their report to higher authorities on August 16.