Obscene dance, gambling at <i>jatra</i>
Obscene dance and gambling are being held in the name of jatra (open air drama) at Mithapur Bazar in Naldi union under Lohagara upazila and Peruli School field in Peruli union under Kalia upazila of the district.
Although the district administration gave permission only for jatra at the two spots, the immoral activities are held openly every night and the high sounds of loudspeakers causes nuisance for the locals, said officials and locals.
"Every night obscene dance and gambling are arranged at Mithapur Bazar while police from nearby Naldi outpost attend there and take bribe. Now the area sees increase of theft as many youths are craving for money to join there, especially for gambling," said Md Asaduzzaman, chairman of Naldi union parishad.
Gambling in the name of raffle draw, housy, cards and roulette is arranged and obscene dances are shown at several stalls, Abdur Rahman of Mithapur village said.
Contacted over phone, Naldi union Awami League president Abul Kalam Azad, also president of the jatra committee, said only jatra was being performed there. He declined to say further.
On the midnight of September 24 a mobile court led by a magistrate raided Mithapur jatra spot and arrested Muktar Ali from a gambling table while others managed to flee.
Several villagers said the immoral activities resumed shortly after the magistrate left the place.
Obscene dance and gambling are also held openly at Peruli School field in the name of jatra although there is a police outpost near it.
During a visit to the two jatra spots on Sunday, this correspondent saw that all were occurred here openly.
Locals have urged the authorities to stop these obscene and illegal activities.
Additional Superintendent of Police (Circle) in Narail Tariqul Islam said, "We raided Mithapur jatra venue and arrested one. We are hopeful to take further step soon."
Deputy Commissioner Md Zohirul Haque said, "I have heard the matter. They have been given permission for jatra programme only. I will see the matter."
Arun Kumar Mondol, Lohagara upazila nirbahi officer, said he knows nothing about the jatra or its permission.
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