Cattle thieves syndicate in sands of Meghna, attack if obstructed

Cow and buffalos stealing taking place in almost every night in the remote sands of the river Meghna in Luxmipur and Bhola district.

An organized band of thieves steals cows and buffalos every night and carry those to the sands of Bhola district. Later the thieves syndicate used to bring those cattle to Luxmipur to sale.

The farmers have victimized of attacks by the thieves’ syndicate frequently while try to stop the cattle stealing.

Law enforcers also show reluctance to heed the matter due to district boundary related complications and for the geographic location.

Sources said, several influential families dominated the sands of the Meghna- Char Megha and Rammohon Char. Even after changeover of the political power, the families’ influence remained unchanged.

Besides, members of the thieves’ families involved in different political parties to take shelter in possible changeover.

In these circumstances, the stealing and robbery are going on unabatedly in the remote sands’ areas.

Local sources said, the thieves’ band stolen five buffalos on Friday night (1 August) worth approximately BDT 10 lakh.

Later local ‘Sainik League’ leader Gias has taken the buffalos with his own cattle.

Earlier on 29 July, the thieves’ band attacked several buffalos farms in the same sand in Bhola with sharp weapons. Several farm workers including Shahjahan, Jewel, Jahir, Nabi, Nijam, Kadir and Rubel were injured in the attack. The attackers plundered cash, mobile phone and buffaloes during the attack. The injured have later admitted to several hospitals in Bhola and Luxmipur.

Locals alleged that police avoid their responsibilities saying the areas are not under their jurisdictions as there are district boundary complications between, Bhola, Luxmipur and Barisal districts.

Besides, Coast Guards also avoid their responsibility saying they cannot do anything without getting directions from their main office in Bhola, locals alleged.

Several farm owners said preferring anonymity that thieves’ syndicate frequently looting their cattle and make them destitute.

They become undone as the thieves are most influential and involved with power politics.

They alleged that Rasel Khan, Mintu Khan, Mamun and Arif Akand from Bhola, and Shafi Majhi, Gias Uddin, Salahuddin, Saddam Hossain and Abul Bashar from Luxmipur are involved in cattle rubbering. Besides, Sayal group, Sarker group and Alamgir Group as the previously powerful syndicates also active in different names to loot cattle.

Contacted, Char Ramonimohon Union Sainik League President Gias Uddin refused the allegation of his involvement.

BNP’s Seswasebak Dal convenor of the same union, Abul Bashar also refused allegation that he is involved in the matter.

Besides, same union BNP’s Krishok Dal General Secretary Saddam Hossain and his brother allegedly involved in the stealing, but they failed to receive phone call made several times to reach them for getting their statements.

Contacted, Additional Police Superintendent (Administration & Finance) Hosain Mohammad Raihan Kazemi assured that they will take necessary measures after coordinating with police of Bhola and Barisal on the issue.

Besides, Bhola Police Superintendent Md. Shahidullah Kawsar said police will act if get any written allegation.