IRBN personnel accused of goat theft, intimidating villagers in Assam's Baksa district

A disturbing incident from Charaimari village in Assam’s Baksa district has sparked outrage, where a personnel of the 24th Battalion of the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRBN) stands accused of repeated livestock theft and intimidating villagers.

The accused, Bijoy Kalita, allegedly exploits his return visits to his native village Amarawati by engaging in unlawful activities, particularly the theft and slaughter of goats. Residents claim that Kalita’s presence in the village often coincides with incidents of missing livestock.

On March 31, Kalita reportedly stole a pet goat belonging to Kanika Haloi, a local resident, and hid the animal at a relative’s residence in Garamdeu. Following a complaint, Mushalpur Police assisted Haloi in recovering the stolen goat.

Although a formal FIR has been lodged at Mushalpur Police Station, no arrest has been made so far, triggering discontent and suspicions of leniency due to Kalita's position in uniform.

Villagers allege that this is not an isolated case, and that Kalita may be involved in multiple instances of goat theft, which they believe are part of a pattern. Some also claim he sells the stolen animals for profit, exploiting his status as a security personnel to avoid scrutiny.

Demanding justice, residents of Amarawati have called on local authorities to take immediate action, arrest Kalita, and investigate possible accomplices. They are also urging an end to what they describe as protection being given to a “criminal in uniform.”