A community-led vigil against cattle rustling escalated into a volatile confrontation between residents and law enforcement in Dibrugarh in the early hours of Friday, culminating in police firing blank shots to disperse an agitated crowd.
For over a week, the residents of Maijan Natun Gaon have been on high alert following a string of livestock thefts. With the New Year period presenting a high risk, local youths organised a night patrol to safeguard their property. At approximately 4 am, the vigilantes spotted a suspicious vehicle carrying three occupants navigating the village lanes.
When the youths attempted to intercept the vehicle, the driver reportedly tried to flee. However, after the villagers blocked the road, the car was forced to a halt. The occupants refused to exit the vehicle, prompting the locals to surround them and alert the police.
The situation turned chaotic upon the arrival of the police. As officers attempted to take the three suspects into custody, the gathered crowd tried to snatch the individuals from the police, intending to deliver “mob justice.”
To regain control of the deteriorating situation, the police fired a couple of rounds into the air. Rather than dispersing the crowd, the gunfire further incensed the villagers, who accused the police of protecting criminals.
As the situation threatened to spiral out of control, Dibrugarh Senior Superintendent of Police Abhijit Gurav rushed to the scene along with a large police force.
Talking to reporters, the SSP said, “Around 4 am, locals stopped a vehicle on suspicion of cattle theft. Our team reached shortly after receiving the call. The situation became tense as people tried to assault the detainees, forcing us to fire blank rounds to bring the situation under control.”
Gurav added that the three detainees were taken to Dibrugarh Police Station for questioning. “So far, no concrete evidence has been found linking them to cattle theft. Interrogation is underway, and we will take lawful action against anyone found guilty—whether the suspects or those who took the law into their own hands,” he added.
The Additional SP has been directed to monitor and investigate the entire incident.
Meanwhile, locals have accused the police of not taking their concerns seriously despite multiple reports of thefts over the past week.
“Cows were being taken every other night. We informed the police, but no one came to patrol. Left with no choice, we started our own vigil. But instead of supporting us, police fired in the air—it felt like we were the ones being targeted,” a local said.
The situation in Maijan Natun Gaon remained tense throughout the day, with additional police forces deployed to prevent further flare up.
