Dhaka, Sep 04 (V7N) - Dilip Kumar Agarwala, the Managing Director (MD) of Diamond World Limited, was arrested on Tuesday night by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) from Gulshan, Dhaka. The arrest was confirmed by Lt. Colonel Munim Ferdous, the director of RAB's Legal and Media Wing. 

According to reports, RAB-1 personnel surrounded Agarwala's office in Gulshan at around 10 pm before launching a raid, which is still ongoing. The arrest follows a recent notification from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the police, which announced the launch of a money laundering investigation against Diamond World and its associated entities. 

The CID's Financial Crimes Unit has accused Agarwala of multiple offenses, including money laundering, fraud, and forgery. The allegations suggest that he engaged in illegal activities under the guise of importing gold and diamonds from abroad. Additionally, Agarwala is accused of selling high-quality glass pieces as real diamonds through showrooms across various districts, operating a gold smuggling syndicate between Dubai and Singapore, and amassing substantial illicit assets. The investigation also highlights his alleged ownership of three jewellery shops and 11 properties in Kolkata, India, and fraudulent investments amounting to Tk 40 crore in Malaysia, Dubai, and Canada. 

These accusations come on the heels of a news report detailing various irregularities linked to Agarwala's management of Diamond World. Agarwala, who has served on the Awami League's sub-committee on industrial affairs for two consecutive terms, has been a prominent figure in the jewellery industry. 

Furthermore, a case was recently filed against 161 individuals, including key political figures such as Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Rehana, Sajib Wazed Joy, and Dilip Kumar Agarwala. The case is related to the death of Hriday Hossain Shihab, who was killed in Badda, Dhaka, during the anti-discrimination student movement on July 19. The investigation into this incident and the ongoing probe into Diamond World highlight the increasing scrutiny facing several high-profile figures in Bangladesh.

END/Aj/SMA/