Two Dead in Mob Attack Over Suspected Cattle Theft
Two Dead in Mob Attack Over Suspected Cattle Theft
Two vehicles vandalised and set on fire; three suspects under police watch at hospital
Siliguri: A case of alleged mob violence over suspected cattle theft has come to light in the Matigara and Bagdogra police station areas on the outskirts of Siliguri. Two people have died in the incident, while two vehicles were reportedly vandalised and set on fire.
The incident reportedly began near the Balason River in the Tarabari area under Matigara Police Station. According to local residents, a suspicious vehicle was spotted moving around the area late Friday night and in the early hours of Saturday. With reports of alleged cattle theft in nearby areas in recent days, local residents were already on alert.
As soon as the vehicle was spotted, locals reportedly surrounded it. A crowd soon gathered at the spot and began vandalising the vehicle. It is alleged that the occupants were also assaulted.
According to police, Shahed Akhtar died at the spot, while Saad Mohammad, who sustained serious injuries, was taken to North Bengal Medical College and Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Following the incident, some people reportedly managed to flee the spot. Police subsequently detained three persons. According to police, Aamir, Arif Khan and Akram Khan, all residents of Haryana, are currently undergoing treatment at North Bengal Medical College and Hospital under police supervision.
Police personnel from Bagdogra and Matigara police stations reached the area and brought the situation under control. An investigation has been launched, with police examining CCTV footage from the area and questioning local residents to establish the sequence of events.
ACP-rank officer Anirban Majumdar of the Siliguri Metropolitan Police confirmed the deaths, stating that Shahed Akhtar died at the scene, while Saad Mohammad succumbed to his injuries at North Bengal Medical College and Hospital.
Police have stated that those found involved in the incident will face legal action and that the investigation is underway.
The incident has created tension and concern in the area. While local residents had reportedly expressed anger over alleged cattle theft incidents in recent days, the incident has also raised serious questions over mob violence and taking the law into one's own hands.
