A tense situation unfolded at Agomani police station in Dhubri district after local broiler traders staged a protest against alleged extortion and selective crackdowns on poultry transport.
The protest erupted when broiler chickens transported via e-rickshaws were seized, reportedly at the behest of Kamal Rai, who is accused of extorting money from poultry transporters.
As per allegations, Kamal Rai has been collecting rupees one thousand per month from e-rickshaws transporting broiler chickens from Assam's Agomani to Golakganj in the name of the Chief Minister of Assam.
Those who refused to pay were allegedly targeted, leading to the controversial poultry seizure on Sunday, which involved personnel from the Agomani police station.
According to reports, Rai claimed to have connections with high-ranking officials and collected the money under the pretense of securing protection for poultry transporters.
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Local traders accused the police of turning a blind eye to syndicate-controlled poultry vehicles, which reportedly operate freely at night.
They claimed that Kamal Rai, along with his associate suspected to be Indrajit, is facilitating the movement of these syndicate-backed vehicles under police protection.
Further allegations suggest that Rai has been managing multiple police stations, including Chagolia, Halakura, and Agomani, through hefty bribes.
It is believed that hundreds of broiler-laden vehicles from West Bengal are being smuggled into various parts of Assam under his influence, openly passing through these police stations. Adding to the controversy, Rai is said to be a former member of the banned militant outfit Kamtapur Liberation Organization (KLO).
Frustrated by alleged police inaction and favoritism, local traders have demanded an investigation into the role of Agomani Police in the poultry seizure. Traders have demanded a thorough investigation into the matter, urging authorities to take strict action against those involved in the alleged extortion.
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