Siliguri/Kolkata: Two men were killed and three others critically injured after they were allegedly attacked by a mob in the Matigara-Bagdogra area of Siliguri on Saturday on suspicion of cattle theft. The incident has raised questions over the treatment of the alleged victims, as police arrested the three surviving travellers on suspicion of cattle theft while also registering a case against those accused of the mob lynching.
The brutal incident took place in the Balasan-Tarabari area under Matigara Police Station on Saturday and later spread to areas under Bagdogra and Panighata police stations.
Police identified one of the deceased as 45-year-old Sahid Akhtar, a resident of Sonapur under Chopra Police Station in Uttar Dinajpur district. The second deceased, Shad Mohammad, reportedly lived in Haryana. Three other persons who were travelling with them remain hospitalised in critical condition.
Police have registered cases both in connection with the alleged cattle theft and the subsequent mob lynching. The police said they have launched an investigation into the allegations of cattle theft as well as the circumstances that led to the deaths and injuries.
Three Survivors Arrested Over Suspected Cattle Theft
According to the police, locals intercepted a pickup van carrying cattle in the Balasan area. When questioned about the destination of the animals, the occupants reportedly gave an explanation that failed to satisfy the residents. The situation subsequently escalated, with the occupants allegedly being dragged out of the vehicle and assaulted by a group of people. The pickup van was also allegedly set on fire.
The men reportedly managed to flee the area and reached Tarabari in Bagdogra, where they were allegedly intercepted again and subjected to another assault.
The family of Sahid Akhtar has denied that he was involved in cattle smuggling or any other criminal activity. According to his family, Sahid worked as a driver and had no previous involvement in criminal offences. His family stated that the pickup van was set on fire before Sahid was severely beaten. They further claimed that he was struck on the head with a large stone and died on the spot.
Police personnel from Bagdogra Police Station subsequently reached the area and rescued the injured men. They were taken to a hospital for treatment, where doctors declared Sahid Akhtar dead. Shad Mohammad later died while undergoing treatment, according to police. The three other injured men remain admitted to hospital, with their condition reported to be critical.
Mob Attack Leaves Two Dead, Three Critically Injured
Police have registered a case in connection with the mob attack and launched an investigation to identify those responsible for the deaths and injuries. The Siliguri Metropolitan Police said CCTV footage from the area is being examined to identify individuals allegedly involved in taking the law into their own hands. Multiple police teams have reportedly been formed to trace and apprehend those involved.
Police said three people have been arrested on suspicion of cattle theft, while seven others have been arrested in connection with the mob lynching.
Apart from Sahid Akhtar, the other men involved in the incident were identified as Shad Mohammad, Sawar Amir, Arif Khan and Akram, who were reportedly from Haryana. However, police have not yet established whether the men were actually involved in cattle theft or whether there was another motive behind the incident.
Police Probe Cattle Theft Allegation and Mob Violence
Anirban Majumdar, ACP (West) of the Siliguri Commissionerate, said the incident began in the Tarabari area of Matigara and subsequently spread across the jurisdictions of Bagdogra and Panighata police stations.
“Police from Matigara and Bagdogra police stations reached the area after receiving information about the incident. One person died at the spot in the Tarabari area, while another died later while undergoing treatment. The latter was a resident of Haryana,” Majumdar told the media.
He said the police were investigating the entire sequence of events, including the allegations concerning the cattle and the circumstances that led to the deaths.
Sahid Akhtar’s Family Seeks Justice After Mob Killing
Razia Sultana, the wife of deceased Sahid Akhtar, broke down in grief while arriving at Bagdogra Police Station to file a formal complaint over the incident. She has demanded justice for what she described as the brutal killing of her husband.
Speaking to local media, Razia said, “They could have broken his limbs, but instead they beat him to death. Where will I go now with my three children? I want justice for my husband’s brutal killing.”
Razia stated that Sahid had been working for the past decade, transporting cattle and buffaloes in a hired vehicle. Like any other day, he left home for work at around 8:30 pm on Friday and was expected to return the following morning.
However, on Saturday morning, Razia received a call from an unknown number informing her that her husband’s vehicle had allegedly been intercepted by villagers in the Bagdogra area. She was reportedly told that Sahid was being severely beaten and was urged to inform the police immediately.
Overcome with grief, Razia recounted, “The villagers could have handed him over to the police or called us to inform us that they had detained him. Instead, they beat him to death. There are legal procedures and ways to deal with such situations. Instead, they took my husband away from us, and we will never get him back.”
The 45-year-old was the primary source of financial support for the family, she said.
“I have three children, including a 19-year-old daughter and a six-year-old son. Who will look after them now? Who will take responsibility for their future?” Razia asked.
She maintained that her husband was not involved in cattle theft and had gone to the area solely for work. Razia has urged the police and the legal authorities to take strict action against those responsible for her husband’s death and ensure that the family receives justice.
