A case has been filed against 50 individuals, including BNP and affiliate leaders, for allegedly stealing scrap materials worth Tk 5 lakh from 1320 MW Patuakhali (RNPL) coal-fired power plant at Kalapara upazila in the district.
The Deputy Manager (Administration) of the power plant, Aminul Islam, filed the case on January 12 with Kalapara Police Station.
Among the accused, 34 individuals have been specifically named, including several BNP and affiliate leaders, all residents of Gilatala, Londa, and Dhankhali villages.
According to the case details, on the night of January 9, the accused entered the power plant premises and stole valuable materials, including copper wires, iron items, and steel plates. These stolen goods were reportedly stockpiled near Gilatala Bazaar. On January 10, while attempting to load the stolen materials onto a vehicle for transportation, security personnel, with the assistance of police camp officials, intercepted the operation and recovered approximately five tons of materials valued at 2.5 lakh taka. An earlier theft attempt involving a truckload of stolen goods was also thwarted.
Multiple sources at the power plant have confirmed that this group has been involved in stealing and selling hundreds of tons of materials from the plant over an extended period.
Kalapara Police Station officer-in-charge Mohammad Juwel Islam stated that a case has been filed as an FIR and further legal action is being undertaken.
