Tangail, April 5 (V7N) – Victims in Tangail have reported being defrauded of over 3 crore 10 lakh taka by a group of individuals who promised to send them to Australia. The perpetrators allegedly took money from 28 people, but have not only failed to fulfill their promise but also withheld their passports. A press conference was held on Friday afternoon at the Tangail Press Club, where the victims shared their grievances.
 
The written statement was read by Abdur Rahim Mukul, a retired military officer. According to Mukul, nearly two years ago, a group of six people—Rahij Uddin Kapali, Shabbas Uddin Kapali, Salma Begum, Shah Alam, Babul Kapali, and Siam—formed a fraudulent network. They enticed the victims with promises of jobs in Australia, offering high-paying salaries. In exchange, they took money in multiple installments, ultimately collecting 3 crore 10 lakh taka. Along with the money, the perpetrators also took the victims' passports.
 
Despite repeated requests for the return of their passports and money, the victims have not received anything back. Mukul further shared that many victims had given all their savings to the fraudsters, and they have been unable to recover any of their belongings. The victims filed a formal complaint with the Tangail Sadar Police Station on March 15, but the police have yet to take action on the complaint.
 
According to Mukul, the ringleader Rahij Uddin Kapali and his family have gone into hiding, making the situation even more difficult for the victims. They have also faced threats from the fraudsters to prevent them from filing cases. The group, Mukul added, has scammed people from various areas, collecting large sums of money.
 
The victims are now calling on the authorities, including the district administration, RAB, and the police, to prevent the fraudsters from escaping the country. They are demanding the immediate return of their passports and the money they lost.
 
During the press conference, victims like SM Mahiduddin Badal, SM Ashraful Haque Konak, Apurba Hossain, Selim Reza, Masum, and Akand were also present.
 
Despite multiple attempts to contact Rahij Uddin Kapali via phone, no response was received.
 
SI Shanta Deb of Tangail Sadar Police Station confirmed that the complaint has been received and will be investigated. However, she also mentioned that the complainants were supposed to provide further documentation but failed to do so. She assured that the matter will be investigated, and necessary actions will be taken.
 
The victims are seeking immediate justice and the return of their money and passports, as well as urgent intervention from the authorities to prevent the perpetrators from fleeing the country.
 
END/BKC/SMA/