Guwahati: A wave of anger has engulfed Charaimari village in Assam’s Baksa district following allegations of repeated livestock theft and intimidation leveled against a member of the 24th Battalion of the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRBN).
The individual under scrutiny has been identified as Bijoy Kalita, who is accused of using his visits to his native village, Amarawati, as opportunities to carry out illegal activities, primarily involving the theft and subsequent slaughter of goats belonging to the villagers. Local inhabitants assert that Kalita’s presence in the area is frequently linked to the disappearance of their livestock.
In a recent incident on March 31st, Kalita allegedly targeted a pet goat owned by Kanika Haloi, a resident of the village. The stolen animal was reportedly hidden at the residence of one of Kalita’s relatives in Garamdeu. Acting on a formal complaint, the Mushalpur Police extended their assistance to Haloi, leading to the recovery of her missing goat.
Despite the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) at the Mushalpur Police Station, authorities have yet to apprehend the accused. This delay in action has fueled growing discontent among the villagers, who suspect that Kalita’s position within the security forces may be contributing to a perceived leniency in the handling of the case.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, villagers claim that this is not an isolated incident and suspect Kalita’s involvement in numerous other instances of goat theft, suggesting a recurring pattern of criminal behavior. Some residents further allege that Kalita profits from the sale of the stolen animals, exploiting his status as a security personnel to evade suspicion and accountability.
Driven by a strong sense of injustice, the residents of Amarawati are now demanding immediate intervention from local authorities. They are urging for the swift arrest of Bijoy Kalita and a thorough investigation into the possibility of accomplices. Furthermore, they are vehemently calling for an end to what they perceive as protection being afforded to a “criminal in uniform.”
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