The investigation committee formed to probe the large-scale looting of stones from the Sada Pathor tourist site in Bholaganj under Companiganj upazila of Sylhet has failed to submit its report within the stipulated deadline.

The committee was tasked with submitting its findings within three working days, but the deadline expired on Sunday. Committee chief Padma Sen Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development and Human Resource Management), confirmed the delay and said the team had sought an extension.

“The investigation has not concluded yet. Some more time is needed for detailed verification. Therefore, a request for a three-day extension has been made to the Deputy Commissioner,” Singh said.

Meanwhile, Sylhet Deputy Commissioner (DC) Sher Mahbub Murad has been transferred on Monday amid widespread criticism across the country. He was replaced by magistrate Md Sarwar Alam. Mahbub Murad joined as the DC of Sylhet on 24 September last year.

According to media reports, miscreants have illegally extracted stones worth hundreds of crores of taka from the government-gazetted quarry since 5 August last year. Initially carried out under the cover of darkness, the plundering later continued in broad daylight.

Locals alleged that at least 1.5 crore cubic feet of stones have already been looted, with an estimated market value exceeding Tk200 crore, leaving the once-picturesque tourist site nearly barren.

Amid widespread outrage, Sylhet DC Mohammad Sher Mahbub Murad formed a three-member probe body on 12 August, led by Padma Sen Singh, with Companiganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Azizunnahar and Acting Assistant Director of the Department of Environment Afzarul Islam as members.

However, controversy soon emerged over the inclusion of UNO Azizunnahar, as the looting reportedly occurred during her tenure. Allegations of negligence and possible involvement have been raised against her. A video was reportedly circulated on social media showed the UNO standing with Ansar members while stones were being loaded onto boats, with no visible action taken to stop the looting. The timing of the footage remains unclear.

Meanwhile, operations to recover stolen stones and curb further looting have been ongoing since 13 August. So far, more than 4 lakh cubic feet of stones have been recovered, while the Department of Mines has filed cases against nearly 2,000 unidentified persons at Companiganj Police Station. Police have arrested 11 people in connection with the incident.

History of Sada Pathor

Sada Pathor, situated at the entrance of the River Dhalai in Bholaganj, has long been renowned for its unique natural stone deposits. The river, originating from Meghalaya’s Khasia-Jainta Hills in India, carries down stones with its powerful currents.

The first major accumulation of stones was recorded in 1990, locally known as ‘Dhalasona’, but the site was eventually depleted due to rampant looting. After nearly three decades, in 2017, flash floods once again deposited vast layers of stones over a five-acre area, reviving the site as a major tourist attraction.

The stones, naturally polished and more valuable than quarried or imported varieties, are widely used in architecture.

Local teacher Shafqat Jamil recalled, “As far as the eye could see, there were white stones on both sides of the crystal-clear river, with clouds hovering around the mountains—it looked like paradise, like Kashmir.”

With improved road connectivity, the site has become more accessible, requiring only a 40-minute drive from Sylhet city.