Rangamati, July 13 (V7N) – In a shocking revelation from Rangamati's Naniarchar, Kechathui Marma, the food warehouse officer (O.C. LSD), is facing severe allegations of corruption, including the distribution of substandard rice, check fraud, embezzlement of government rice, misuse of power, and running a business under his daughter's name. These accusations, some of which have been substantiated during a military operation, have exposed an alarming picture of systemic abuse.
 
On Sunday morning, a special operation led by the Bangladesh Army unearthed multiple evidences of misconduct. The operation was led by Lieutenant Colonel Mashiur Rahman, PSC, the Naniarchar Zone Commander, along with Major Mohammad Asifur Rahman, PSC, and the Naniarchar Police Officer-in-Charge, Mohammad Nazir Alam.
 
During the operation, officials found significant discrepancies at the food warehouse. Several rice sacks were found with weight shortages, while poor-quality Atap rice was stored as government rice. The operation team reported finding evidence supporting the long-standing accusations against the officer, with several reports verifying the allegations.
 
“The officer has been involved in a long-standing pattern of irregularities and corruption. Investigations have corroborated many of these claims. We’ve informed the UNO of Naniarchar, the district food officer, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), and the local police. No one involved in this corruption will be spared,” warned Lieutenant Colonel Mashiur Rahman.
 
Local residents, such as Uttam Chakma from Sabekyang Union, claimed that government rice under programs like VGD (Vulnerable Group Development) and VGF (Vulnerable Group Feeding), as well as TCB (Trading Corporation of Bangladesh), often contained inedible, substandard rice.
 
A rice trader, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that Vietnamese rice, meant for distribution, was replaced with locally sourced Atap rice from Ranihat and sold as government rice. There were also widespread allegations of removing 2-3 kg from each rice sack, and trading in poor-quality rice while maintaining a facade of adherence to official standards.
 
Additionally, Kechathui Marma was accused of using his daughter’s name to run his private rice business, engaging in check fraud, and making illicit transactions, all with the influence of Aungshui Pru Choudhury, a close relative of the former district council chairman and a key political figure.
 
Since 2018, Marma has reportedly been using his political clout to carry out these corrupt practices, taking advantage of his connections to cover up his wrongdoings.
 
This case paints a troubling picture of administrative corruption and the abuse of political influence in the region, with the army promising swift investigation and action. Local residents are also demanding swift and exemplary punishment for the culprits involved. This has become an urgent issue for both local governance and regional integrity.
 
The investigation continues, and authorities have vowed to root out the corruption, ensuring accountability at all levels.
 
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