BSF denies allegations of 'sheltering' suspected Bangladeshi cattle thief nabbed by locals in Assam's Sribhumi

The Border Security Force have denied reports and allegations of 'sheltering' a suspected Bangladeshi cattle thief, who was nabbed by villagers in Assam's Sribhumi on July 7.

As per reports, a standoff unfolded at the Adamtilla Tea Estate in Sribhumi, Karimganj district, near the Indo-Bangladesh border, after a suspected Bangladeshi cattle thief was apprehended by locals. 

Soon after, villagers started accusing the BSF, alleging that personnel from the 134 Battalion attempted to protect the accused.

According to local sources, three cows were reportedly stolen on the night of July 6 from the residence of Shia Shankar Kairi, a resident of the border village. Acting swiftly, villagers apprehended one of the alleged culprits early the next morning (July 7). The man, later identified as Zahir Uddin, suspected to be a resident of Barolekha in Bangladesh, was reportedly found in possession of a rope, torch, and Bangladeshi identification documents.

Villagers subjected the accused to physical interrogation and alerted authorities. The situation escalated when BSF personnel from the Mohangul Camp arrived and allegedly tried to whisk the man away in a vehicle. Enraged by what the locals perceived as an attempt to shield the suspect, residents blocked the BSF vehicle for nearly two hours, demanding that the accused be handed over to Assam Police.

Amid chants such as "BSF is the thief," protestors insisted that due legal process be upheld and voiced concerns over a potential breach of trust by the force entrusted with guarding international borders.

In response to the allegations, the BSF issued a statement to India Today NE, denying any misconduct. “Firstly, BSF is committed to border guarding. In the above report, it is alleged that BSF is sheltering the accused and was rescuing him. BSF, as per procedure, carries out questioning to get the facts and hands over to police for investigation and further disposal as per law of the land,” the statement read.

The BSF further clarified that the suspect was about to be lynched when their personnel intervened. "Secondly, no police complaint of cattle theft as reported was there on the 6th, nor was BSF informed of such cattle missing. A verbal report of some cattle missing was received a week ago, but they were later recovered to our knowledge," it added.

Following the tense standoff, the accused was taken to the BSF camp for initial questioning. However, villagers and local leaders have demanded a full-fledged investigation and have called upon both the state and central governments to ensure accountability and transparency.