Cow theft rampant
Cattle lifting has increased in the district ahead of Eid Ul-Azha, forcing farmers to guard their cattle during the night.
At least 320 cattle have been lifted in 20 villages in the last one week, farmers and members of the union parishad said.
Robi Chandra Barman, 40, of Khochabari village under Lalmonirhat Sadar, said two calves and a cow were stolen from his cowshed on Monday. “The cattle were our only assets, now I don't know how I will recoup the loss,” he added.
Subodh Chandra Roy, 65, of Shankartari village in Kaliganj upazila, said he had four cattle, but all of them were stolen five days ago.
Azgor Ali, 56, of Kamlabari village in Aditmari upazila, said at least 100 cattle were stolen from 45 farmers' cowsheds in the last one week, but no cattle lifter has yet been held. “Villagers have started guarding their cattle to prevent cattle lifting in the village,” he added.
Chairman of Kamlabari Union Parishad (UP) Alal Uddin said cattle owners in his union are worried about the rampant cattle lifting. “Cattle lifters from outside the district steal the cattle taking help of local cattle lifters,” he added.
Saleh Ahmed, lessee of Chaparhat cattle market in Kaliganj upazila, said it is very tough to trace out stolen cattle due to the huge crowd in the markets. “We check if any stolen cattle are sold in our market,” he said.
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