In Sylhet, an ASI is closed for singing at a puja mandap while on duty, and 7 are held over gambling

Two separate police incidents have come to light in Sylhet Division. In one, an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) has been closed for allegedly singing at a puja mandap while on duty, and in the other, seven people have been detained in Sylhet on allegations of gambling.

According to a report in Ajker Patrika, the administrative action was taken against the ASI after the incident of singing at a puja mandap while on duty came to light. Being closed means he has been withdrawn from his workplace and attached to the police lines.

During Durga Puja, police members are deployed to ensure security at puja mandaps. As discussion grew over a serving police member singing at a mandap, the authorities took action, the report said.

The published report did not provide the ASI's name, the police station or unit he served in, or exactly which mandap the incident took place at. A complete picture of the background therefore remains unavailable for now.

Separately, EyeNews reported that seven people were detained in Sylhet on allegations of gambling. According to the allegation, they were detained from a gambling gathering.

Details about the identities of those detained, exactly where they were held from, and what legal process will follow against them have not yet been published either.

During the puja season, police activity to maintain security and law and order around mandaps increases across Sylhet Division. Questions over the conduct of an on-duty police member and, alongside it, detentions in an anti-gambling drive have both drawn local discussion.

In another report concerning this year's puja, the food minister was quoted as saying that members of the Hindu community received more government grant support for this year's puja than before. Both government assistance and security received importance during this year's festival.

It is not yet known whether there will be a departmental inquiry or further disciplinary action in the ASI closure case. Ordinarily, after a member is closed, higher authorities take the next decision about them.

The full picture of both incidents will emerge once police give a formal statement on the seven detained over gambling and the case progresses. Barlekha Today will publish further information for readers as soon as it becomes available.