Secret Local Alcohol Den Uncovered at Chittagong University

A covert den for producing local alcohol was discovered in a room near the greenhouse area adjacent to the Faculty of Biological Sciences at the University of Chittagong. A large quantity of locally brewed alcohol and weapons used for hunting wild animals were recovered. Two individuals were detained in connection with the incident.

At around 12:30 am on Monday, acting on a confidential tip-off, the university’s proctorial body raided a room located on the north side of the bridge near the greenhouse beside the Faculty of Biological Sciences. The operation was led by Proctor Dr Hosain Shaheed Sohrawardi and Assistant Proctor Nurul Hamid Kanan. During the raid, approximately 40 litres of local alcohol were seized, and the producers — Suman Chakma and a woman accompanying him — were detained.

It is known that Suman Chakma had been living and farming on land leased from the university at Bakhtiar Fakirstha for nearly 15 years. Residing in a small tin-roofed house, he had been brewing alcohol for a long time in an extended verandah behind the cowshed. A search of the area uncovered around 30 litres of freshly prepared hot alcohol. Authorities also recovered 5 litres of ‘dexi’, bottles ready for delivery, and various equipment used for brewing alcohol. A notebook containing records of alcohol sales was also seized.

There are allegations that Suman Chakma was not only involved in the alcohol trade but also used homemade firearms to hunt wild animals — including wild boar, deer and jungle fowl — from the university’s forest areas. He allegedly sold the meat in secret. Some university students were reportedly regular buyers of his alcohol. Assistant Proctor Nurul Hamid Kanan stated that several students who frequented the area have been placed under suspicion.

When contacted, Assistant Proctor Nurul Hamid Kanan said that the presence of outsiders and certain students near the Faculty of Biological Sciences had raised suspicions among security personnel. After covert surveillance confirmed the matter, a team of 7–8 members, including the proctor and security supervisors Nuruddin and Mohiuddin, surrounded the house at around 12:30 am on Monday. Suman Chakma and the woman with him were detained. During questioning, he admitted that the woman was not his wife.

Law enforcement officers from the university police outpost, led by Inspector Mostafa Kamal, assisted in the operation. Police collected evidence from the scene. According to police, he has been sent to court after being charged under narcotics control laws, wildlife killing offences and involvement in immoral activities.

Assistant Proctor Nurul Hamid Kanan also stated that the process of cancelling the land lease has begun due to illegal alcohol production on university property. Additionally, the leaseholder will be fined for unauthorised tree cutting.

Khaborwala/SS