Assam: Rs 37 lakh worth of areca nut stolen in Nagaon, main suspect still at large

The alleged mastermind behind the theft of areca nut worth around Rs 37 lakh in Assam’s Nagaon district remains absconding as Rupahihat Police investigate a suspected network involving a truck owner, intermediaries and several traders.

The case came to light after a consignment of 57.42 quintals of areca nut belonging to businessman Khairul Islam of Gerekir in Rupahihat was allegedly hijacked while being transported to another state in a truck bearing registration number AS-02DC-4522. The vehicle was reportedly intercepted at Kharagpur in West Bengal.

According to the information available to police, days after the alleged hijacking, a man identified as Jiyabur Rahman approached Khairul and allegedly attempted to sell the stolen consignment back to him. The incident prompted Khairul to conduct an inquiry before approaching Rupahihat Police Station and filing a complaint.

Police subsequently detained Jiyabur, whose statement allegedly provided investigators with details about the suspected theft network and the disposal of the stolen supari.

Investigators have so far identified four alleged suspects: Nurzamal, described as the alleged mastermind; truck owner Ansarul Haque of Kenduguri; Abu Hanifa of No. 1 Mullapatti; and Waliullah of Lailuri.

Police reportedly recovered 40 sacks of supari from the residence of Rupahi businessman Nekibur Rahman, 19 sacks from Waliullah’s residence in Lailuri and 35 sacks from Jiyabur’s residence at Tetiya Chaporitop.

Investigators are also examining allegations that some supari traders may have purchased the stolen consignment and subsequently attempted to give it a legitimate appearance by arranging documents before selling it to established traders.

Police have reportedly received information about two other individuals, Sultan of Dighali in Rupahihat and Nasir, who allegedly purchased the stolen supari and were involved in its subsequent disposal.

While Jiyabur has been arrested in connection with the case, the alleged mastermind Nurzamal and several other suspects remain at large. Police are continuing efforts to trace them.

There are also allegations that some leaders of newly formed Muslim organisations have attempted to protect Nurzamal. These claims are yet to be independently established and are part of the broader allegations being examined during the investigation.

The police investigation, being led by investigating officer Abdul Barek Sarkar, is continuing. Officials are expected to examine the role of additional traders and other individuals who may have been involved in the alleged hijacking, purchase and resale of the stolen areca nut.