Staff Correspondent:

A recently surfaced list identifying 123 alleged extortionists in Rajshahi — including 20 individuals from the Boalia area — has triggered controversy, after it was revealed that the list of 20 was signed by the Boalia Model Police Station officer-in-charge (OC) himself.

The list, seen by journalist was formally submitted to higher authorities on 21 July and bears the signature of OC Mostak Ahmed.

However, OC Mostak Ahmed expressed surprise and denial regarding the document, stating, “I don’t understand who signed this or how my name was used. I am shocked.”

The document stated, “As per the referred directive, we are forwarding the names of individuals involved in extortion activities that are creating panic among the public and disrupting law and order in the Boalia area.”

Although earlier versions of such lists included leaders and activists from various political parties such as the BNP, Jamaat and even the Awami League, this latest version only identifies one individual by party (BNP), omitting the rest.

The list includes individuals with alleged involvement in extortion, drug dealing, intimidation, and robbery.

Several individuals named in the list have denied the allegations and called the list politically motivated or based on personal enmity.

“I run a licensed BRTC bus operation. This list was prepared out of personal vendetta,” claimed Iqbal Hossain Dildar, one of the accused.

Another accused Shamsul Hossain Milu said, “I challenge anyone to prove these claims. I’ve never been involved in extortion.”