Guwahati: A wave of discontent swept through Agomani, Dhubri district, as local broiler traders staged a vigorous protest outside the Agomani police station.
The demonstration stemmed from allegations of extortion and targeted seizures of poultry transport, igniting a tense confrontation between traders and local authorities. The immediate trigger for the protest was the seizure of broiler chickens transported by e-rickshaws, an action the traders attributed to the influence of Kamal Rai.
Accusations leveled against Kamal Rai paint a picture of systematic extortion, with claims that he has been demanding rupees one thousand per month from e-rickshaw drivers transporting broiler chickens from Agomani to Golakganj. Rai allegedly operates under the guise of acting on behalf of the Chief Minister of Assam, asserting he provides protection for the transporters. Those who refuse to comply with his demands reportedly face punitive measures, culminating in the controversial poultry seizure on Sunday, which involved personnel from the Agomani police station. Rai further bolstered his alleged influence by claiming connections with high-ranking officials.
Local traders have also accused the police of selective enforcement, alleging that syndicate-controlled poultry vehicles are allowed to operate without hindrance, particularly during nighttime hours. They allege that Kamal Rai, along with a suspected associate named Indrajit, facilitates the smooth passage of these syndicate-backed vehicles, purportedly under police protection. The traders further claim that Rai has extended his influence across multiple police stations, including Chagolia and Halakura, through alleged bribery, enabling the unchecked movement of hundreds of broiler-laden vehicles from West Bengal into Assam. The vehicles are said to openly pass through these police stations. Adding a layer of complexity to the situation, Rai is reportedly a former member of the banned militant outfit Kamtapur Liberation Organization (KLO).
The protesting traders expressed deep frustration over the alleged inaction and favoritism displayed by the Agomani Police. They are demanding a comprehensive investigation into the role of the police in the poultry seizure and the wider allegations of extortion and selective enforcement. The traders are adamant that authorities take decisive action against those implicated in the alleged extortion racket, seeking to restore fairness and transparency in the local poultry trade.
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