RAJSHAHI, May 8 (V7N) — A formal complaint has been lodged with the Rajshahi Deputy Commissioner and the RMP Police Commissioner against a man accused of fraudulently obtaining a "July Fighter" certificate and illegally operating an unregistered newspaper.

The accused, identified as Md. Sanwar Rahman (52), alias Sanwar Arif, a resident of the Kajla area under Motihar Police Station, is facing serious allegations of financial deception and impersonation.
The "July Fighter" Controversy

According to a written complaint filed by local resident Md. Sabuj Ali, Arif allegedly provided false information to claim he was injured during the student-led mass uprising in July 2024.

Contradictory Timeline: Arif claimed he was attacked by BNP-Jamaat activists at 10:00 PM on August 5, 2024. However, locals point out that by 5:00 PM that day, the country was largely under the control of the student-public movement, making his account highly suspicious.

The "Police Source" Allegation: Residents, including an eyewitness named Md. Nazir, claim Arif was actually attacked by protesters because he had served as a "source" for a Motihar Police Station SI under the previous administration, reportedly exposing local opposition activists for profit.

Financial Gain: The complaint alleges that through this deception, Arif successfully obtained both the certificate and government financial assistance intended for genuine victims of the uprising.

Illegal Media Operations

Arif is also accused of publishing a daily newspaper called Top Sangbad without official approval or government registration.

Fake Credentials: The complaint states that Arif uses a fraudulent government registration number and presents himself as the editor and publisher.

Extortion Allegations: He is reportedly "trading" journalist ID cards and recruiting individuals under the guise of professional journalism to facilitate extortion and influence peddling.

Ghost Office: While the newspaper lists an office address in Kajla, locals claim no such office exists, sparking significant criticism within the professional journalist community in Rajshahi.

Criminal History and Public Reaction

The accused reportedly has a history of legal trouble. Local witness Nazir alleged that Arif was previously arrested by RAB with drugs and was involved in a 7-lakh-taka job-seeking scam involving a man named Zaidhur. Though he was acquitted following the complainant's death, the family reportedly still holds records of the transaction.
Official Response

Both the police and district administration have confirmed receipt of the complaints:

RMP Spokesperson Md. Gaziur Rahman stated that the allegations are being investigated and necessary legal steps will follow.

Deputy Commissioner Aafia Akhtar noted that the complaint has been forwarded to the relevant department for a thorough inquiry, promising strict action if the fraud is proven.

Local July fighters and residents have demanded a speedy investigation to protect the integrity of the certificates and the safety of the community from further extortion.

END/RAR/RH