Four members of a social crime prevention organisation have been arrested and sent to court in Lalmonirhat for allegedly releasing a drug dealer in return for money and for their alleged involvement in drug-related activities.

The arrestees are Atiar Rahman, 40, son of Mohammad Belal Hossain of Khuniagach Union in Lalmonirhat Sadar Upazila; Anarul Islam, 45, son of Abdus Samad; Abdur Razzak, 35, general secretary of Ward No. 6 Jubo Dal of Khuniagach Union and son of late Gaffar Ali; and Jahedul Islam, 45, son of Nur Islam.

Police produced them before a judicial court on Saturday afternoon.

They are members of the drug prevention committee of the social movement “Alokito Lalmonirhat” in the area.

Local residents said members of the anti-drug committee of Khuniagach Union arrested a drug dealer with 262 bottles of Indian Escuf syrup on Friday night. However, allegations later emerged that the suspect was released after the committee members allegedly accepted Tk 1.05 lakh as a bribe instead of handing him over to police.

The incident sparked anger among locals after allegations surfaced that members of the social movement had used its name to take bribes and assist drug activities.

At one stage, residents detained the four accused and informed police, who later took them into custody.

ASM Khairuzzaman Badal, chief coordinator of the Social Crime Monitoring and Supervision Committee of Khuniagach Union, said the four members from Ward No. 6 had been expelled from the organisation for life based on evidence of their involvement in disciplinary violations and criminal activities.

Lalmonirhat Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Saad Ahmed said they were arrested and sent to court under Section 151 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to prevent possible unrest and because of their suspected involvement in a criminal offence.

He said further legal action would be taken after investigation.