In a shocking incident in Patharghata, Barguna, a police sub-inspector (SI) named Shahriar Jalal was apprehended after allegedly attempting to offer a bribe inside a judicial magistrate’s chamber. Following his arrest, he was handed over to Patharghata police station on a personal recognisance bond, pending departmental inquiry.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:00 PM on Monday within the private chamber of Judicial Magistrate Md. Ponir Sheikh. Reports indicate that SI Shahriar Jalal, who is posted at Patharghata police station, approached the magistrate intending to influence the bail decision for a detained suspect. He reportedly informed the magistrate that an arrest warrant had already been issued against the accused.
The magistrate expressed discomfort at the approach, and with the presence of court police, the Government Rest Officer (GRO), and other court staff, Shahriar Jalal was detained immediately.
Following the incident, Patharghata police station’s officer-in-charge (OC) and the Additional Superintendent of Police (Patharghata Circle) informed Barguna District Superintendent of Police, Kudrat E Khuda, about the situation. At the request of the district SP and after providing assurances regarding the departmental proceedings, Shahriar Jalal was transferred to Patharghata police under a recognisance bond later that afternoon.
Patharghata OC, Mongchenla, commented,
“The matter will be dealt with strictly according to the magistrate’s official order. Any further action is subject to judicial directives and internal departmental review. This incident is being treated with utmost seriousness.”
Key details of the incident are summarised below:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Judicial Magistrate Chamber, Patharghata, Barguna |
| Time & Date | Monday, 2:00 PM |
| Accused | SI Shahriar Jalal, Patharghata Police Station |
| Allegation | Attempted bribery to influence bail decision |
| Magistrate | Md. Ponir Sheikh |
| Immediate Action | Detained by court police and staff |
| Follow-up | Handed over to Patharghata police on recognisance |
| Status | Pending departmental inquiry and judicial order |
The incident has raised concerns about integrity and accountability within local law enforcement. Authorities have emphasised that strict disciplinary action will be taken, in alignment with judicial instructions, to ensure that such breaches of conduct are prevented in the future. The magistrate’s office confirmed that courtroom security measures will be reviewed to safeguard the judicial process.
This case underscores the critical importance of maintaining transparency and ethical conduct among police officers, especially in sensitive judicial matters.