A police constable stationed in Sylhet has been placed under immediate suspension after being caught red-handed by local residents while attempting to steal a motorcycle under the pretense of taking it for a test ride. The suspect was assaulted by an angry mob before being handed over to law enforcement authorities.
The incident unfolded on Thursday afternoon in the Bhoitikor area of Golapganj Upazila. The accused officer, identified as Constable Morsalin, was actively serving at Beanibazar Police Station in Sylhet district.
According to police sources and local eyewitnesses, the event originated from an online advertisement posted on Facebook by Saidur Rahman, a resident of Hetimganj. Saidur had listed his used motorcycle for sale on the social media platform. Having seen the posting, Constable Morsalin arranged to meet Saidur in Hetimganj to inspect the vehicle, bringing along an associate named Oliul Islam.
Upon inspecting the motorcycle, Morsalin expressed interest and requested permission to take the vehicle for a brief test ride. However, instead of returning, the constable accelerated away towards Golapganj town. Growing suspicious of Morsalin’s sudden departure, Saidur immediately gave chase on another vehicle, raising the alarm.
Local residents in the Bhoitikor area responded to the calls for help and successfully intercepted the fleeing constable. When confronted, Oliul Islam claimed he had no prior relationship with Morsalin and was unaware of the officer’s intentions. Police later noted that Oliul appeared to be mentally unstable. Enraged by the officer’s actions, the gathered crowd subjected Morsalin to a physical assault before handing him over to officers from the Golapganj Model Police Station.
Following the incident, Sylhet District Superintendent of Police Dr Chowdhury Md Yaber Sadeq issued an order for Constable Morsalin’s immediate suspension from duty. On Friday afternoon, Morsalin was released into the custody of a relative pending further investigation.
Golapganj Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Chhabed Ali confirmed that while the owner of the motorcycle chose not to file a formal written complaint, internal administrative actions against Morsalin are proceeding swiftly. Official records indicate that Morsalin had failed to report back to work after his scheduled leave had expired. Departmental inquiries are currently investigating his history of misconduct, including allegations of involvement in online gambling and other unethical activities. Officer-in-Charge of Beanibazar Police Station, Abu Zafar Md Mahfuzul Karim, also verified the detention, noting that full departmental disciplinary proceedings are underway.
