Dibrugarh, Jan 2: Timely police intervention averted a major law and order situation in the early hours of Friday after tension flared at Maijan over allegations of cattle smuggling, leading an agitated crowd to intercept and assault the occupants of a vehicle.
According to police sources, the incident occurred around 4 am when a vehicle travelling from Maijan Zero Point towards Maijan Natun Gaon, under the jurisdiction of Dibrugarh Police, was stopped by local residents on suspicion of illegal cattle smuggling. The situation quickly escalated as members of the crowd allegedly began assaulting the occupants of the vehicle.
On receiving information, personnel from the Borbari Police Outpost rushed to the spot and rescued the individuals from the mob. As the crowd refused to disperse and tensions continued to rise, police were compelled to fire one blank round into the air to restore order and prevent further violence. No injuries were reported.
The rescued individuals, along with the vehicle, were escorted to the police station for verification. Police officials said preliminary inquiries were conducted to establish the identities of the occupants and the circumstances that led to the suspicion.
Meanwhile, unrest intensified following allegations that a cattle-laden vehicle had earlier been allowed to pass through the Dibrugarh–Sukaphaa Zero Point along National Highway 37, allegedly with the assistance of unidentified organisations. Locals also claimed that arrangements were made on the northern side of the Bogibeel Bridge to facilitate the vehicle’s movement during the night.
Tension reportedly peaked at Maijan Natun Gaon after villagers intercepted a group suspected of cattle theft. Residents alleged that police personnel initially allowed the group to leave, further fuelling public anger. Some locals accused the police of shielding suspected cattle smugglers, allegations that authorities have strongly denied.
Senior police officials later reached the area, and additional security forces were deployed to prevent any further escalation. The administration assured that all allegations would be thoroughly investigated and that action would be taken strictly in accordance with the law.
Police have appealed to the public not to take the law into their own hands and urged residents to report any suspicious activity to authorities so that due legal process can be followed.
Officials later confirmed that after verification, one of the occupants was found to be an advocate practising at the Dibrugarh court, who was travelling with two friends, and that no cattle smuggling was involved.
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