Guwahati: Locals in Assam's Nagaon district are demanding an investigation into an alleged cattle theft ring at the Dumdumia Balisatra market. Complainant Sadikur Rahman filed a report at Batadrava Police Station claiming that stolen livestock from Nagaon and Morigaon districts are sold there. These sales allegedly receive a veneer of legitimacy through receipts issued by the market management committee.
Trouble peaked on Friday, October 16. Residents caught a man named Mafidul Islam at the market. They handed him over to police on suspicion of cattle theft. He walked free that same night. This release has ignited outrage. It was not his first time in custody. Locals claim Islam was caught by civilians on two previous occasions, only to be released each time without explanation.
Rahman accused committee members Sadikul Islam and Nurul Haque of enabling the trade. He also pointed to an intermediary named Gesu, who allegedly exerts influence over local law enforcement to shield the operation. Rahman has now turned to the top of the state government. He wants answers. The complainant has "appealed to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to order an impartial inquiry into the matter."
The claims against the market committee and the Batadrava Police remain unverified. Authorities have not explained why the suspect was set loose. Farmers who lost livestock wait for results. The market continues to operate despite the cloud of suspicion hanging over its management.
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