Probe body submits report on Sadapathor stone looting

The probe committee formed to investigate the stone looting at the Sadapathor tourist site in Bholaganj of Companiganj upazila in Sylhet has submitted a seven-page report on the theft.

The report, which includes names of those allegedly involved along with 10 recommendations, was handed over to outgoing Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Sher Mahbub Murad on Wednesday.

Committee chief and Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development and Human Resource Management) Padmasan Singh said the report contained names of individuals linked to the incident but did not disclose how many, saying it was beyond his jurisdiction. He added that if institutional involvement is found, departmental investigations have been recommended.

A separate source, however, said the report attached a list of 137 people compiled from multiple sources, including media reports. Most of them are political leaders and activists. The report also detailed how the stones were looted and the extent of environmental damage.

The outgoing DC, recently made OSD, left Sylhet on Wednesday, while a new DC is set to take charge Thursday. The report may next be sent to the Cabinet Division, according to officials.

The stone looting incident sparked nationwide attention in recent weeks, prompting a joint force operation to recover the stolen stones. Following the uproar, the district administration formed a three-member committee led by ADC Padmasan Singh, with Companiganj UNO Azizunnahar and Sylhet Department of Environment Assistant Director Afzalul Islam Linkon as members. Initially due on August 17, the report’s deadline was later extended by three days before being submitted.

Speaking at a briefing after a meeting with officials at Companiganj Upazila Parishad auditorium, Sylhet Divisional Commissioner Khan Md Reza-un-Nabi said a full list of looters is being prepared with caution. “The work is being done carefully so that the real culprits are named and innocent people are not harassed. Once the list is finalized, it will be published,” he said.

The commissioner also noted that manpower is being increased in Sylhet to tackle smuggling and protect mineral resources. Discussions are underway to set up three more Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) battalions, with one already in the process of being established. Police manpower is also being boosted, including plans for a new outpost, alongside additional camps and checkpoints.

Thanking the army for its cooperation, Reza-un-Nabi said: “Those involved in misappropriating or stealing state resources will face legal action. At the same time, we will take necessary steps to safeguard these resources.”

He dismissed speculation that he had previously made remarks encouraging stone thieves. “On July 8, we only discussed leasing. Nothing was said about stone theft. I did not make any statement that could encourage thieves. If anyone claims or spreads such a thing, it is a wrong message,” he said.

On the preparation of the list, he added that intelligence agencies and other organizations are working jointly to ensure only the actual looters are named.
“I think some time is needed to make sure the list is accurate and no innocent person faces harassment,” he said.