Cattle theft row turns violent in Dibrugarh, youth injured in firing

Dibrugarh, April 11: A long-standing dispute allegedly linked to a cattle theft syndicate in the Chaulkhowa area of Dibrugarh district escalated into violent clashes on Saturday, with reports of open firing, petrol bomb attacks and widespread vandalism, leaving one person critically injured.

The injured youth, identified as Abid Ahmed, was rushed to Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) with a gunshot wound to the eye. He is currently undergoing treatment in the ICU.

“A person was brought in with a gunshot injury in one eye. The condition is critical and the patient has been admitted to the ICU,” a hospital official said.

According to local accounts, tension between two groups had been building over several days before erupting into violence. Family members of the injured youth alleged that the attack was carried out by one Mintu Ali.

“My mother had gone to the market, and my brother was shot by Mintu while going to receive her. We have no personal enmity with him. He is involved in clashes with others,” said Abid Ahmed’s brother.

The family further alleged that the accused had a history of violent activities and claimed that prior complaints to the police had not led to preventive action.

Abid’s mother echoed similar allegations, linking the incident to earlier cases. “Eight years ago, he murdered a man named Salim and the case is still pending. On the day of voting, Salim’s family members were also attacked. Today, my son has been shot in the eye,” she said, expressing dissatisfaction over the police response.

The injured youth, identified as Abid Ahmed (Photo: AT)

However, a contrasting version has emerged from the other side, with individuals associated with Mintu Ali alleging that they were the ones targeted.

A woman at Mintu’s residence claimed that tensions began on polling day when a group allegedly confronted and assaulted them.

“They pushed Neha Begum (Mintu’s wife), snatched her jewellery and attacked her,” she said, also alleging that vehicles parked at their residence were vandalised on consecutive days.

Begum, linked the violence to political tensions on polling day. “Around 25 to 30 of us had gone to vote when we were surrounded and threatened not to vote for the BJP. I filed an FIR, but due to election duty, police could not act,” she alleged.

She further claimed that their residence was attacked again, with miscreants pelting stones, breaking windows and hurling petrol bombs. “I escaped with my children,” she said.

Denying allegations against her husband, she said, “I am not aware of the shooting. It could be someone from their group. Mintu has not been at home for the last two days as I asked him to stay away to avoid escalation.”

In a purported admission, a youth allegedly involved in the violence claimed that vehicles were vandalised and petrol bombs were used during the clashes.

Police said the investigation is at an initial stage. “We will proceed based on statements recorded. No one has been detained so far,” an official said, adding that further action would follow after a detailed inquiry.

The situation in the area remains tense, with authorities monitoring developments closely.