Assam: Stolen cattle allegedly sold at Nagaon market, complainant seeks impartial probe

Allegations of illegal cattle trading at the Dumdumia Balisatra bi-weekly market in Assam's Nagaon district have raised questions over the police response to suspected cattle theft cases, with complainants alleging that a man accused of involvement in the trade was released after being handed over to the police by local residents.

The allegations concern the suspected sale of stolen cattle from Nagaon and neighbouring Morigaon district at the market. Complainants have also alleged that some members of the market management committee were involved in facilitating the transactions, though the claims are yet to be independently established.

The issue has drawn attention to the handling of a complaint lodged by Sadikur Rahman at Batadrava Police Station against Sadikul Islam and Nurul Haque, members of the market management committee, and Mafidul Islam, who has been accused of playing a key role in the alleged cattle transportation network.

According to the allegations, local residents apprehended Mafidul Islam at the market on Friday, October 16 on suspicion of cattle theft and handed him over to the police. He was reportedly released later that night, prompting the complainant to question the circumstances surrounding the decision.

Mafidul Islam had allegedly been handed over to the police by local residents on two previous occasions over suspected cattle theft, according to the claims. The circumstances of those incidents and the reasons for his release have not been independently verified.

The complainant has also alleged that cattle suspected to have been stolen from farmers in Nagaon and Morigaon are being brought to the market for sale. There are further allegations that transactions involving such cattle are being documented through receipts issued by the market management committee, potentially giving the sales an appearance of legitimacy.

The allegations have also raised questions about the possible involvement of individuals with influence over local police personnel. A person identified as Gesu has been accused of acting as an intermediary and allegedly influencing police action. These claims, including allegations against members of the market management committee and the Batadrava Police, remain unverified.

The complainant has questioned the police response to the allegations and called for a thorough investigation into the suspected cattle trade, the role of the market management committee and the circumstances surrounding Mafidul Islam's reported release.

The affected parties have appealed to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to order an impartial inquiry into the matter.

The allegations are yet to be independently established, and the police response to the complaint, including the reasons for the reported release, remains unclear based on the information available.