Sonarpur police have arrested four people, including suspected mastermind Azgar Fakir of Magrahat, in connection with an alleged cattle theft racket. Police said the suspects allegedly used modified SUVs to transport stolen cattle and are investigating whether the network has links to cattle-smuggling operations in other districts and Bangladesh.

Four Arrested in Sonarpur

The arrests followed an investigation into the theft of three cattle from an ISKCON cowshed in Sonarpur. According to police, CCTV footage and other investigative leads helped them identify Azgar Fakir as a key suspect.

Police subsequently arrested four people in connection with the case. Investigators are questioning the accused to determine whether other people were involved in the alleged network.

Modified SUVs Allegedly Used to Transport Cattle

According to police, the suspected gang allegedly used Toyota Innova and Mahindra Xylo vehicles to transport cattle.

Investigators said the rear seats of the vehicles had allegedly been removed to create additional space. The vehicles could reportedly appear similar to ordinary passenger cars from the outside, which police suspect may have helped the alleged operation avoid detection.

Investigation Began After ISKCON Cowshed Theft

The investigation was initiated after three cattle were reported stolen from an ISKCON cowshed in Sonarpur.

Police examined CCTV footage and followed other leads during the investigation. The trail reportedly led investigators to Azgar Fakir, whom police suspect of playing a key role in the alleged racket.

Police Suspect Wider Network

Investigators suspect that the alleged operation may have connections with cattle-smuggling networks operating in other districts and across the India-Bangladesh border.

Police have also alleged that Azgar Fakir had previously been involved in cattle smuggling to Bangladesh. These claims are part of the ongoing investigation and have not been established by a court.

Police Probe Continues

Police said the alleged network may involve additional people and that the investigation is continuing to identify other suspected members.

Arabind Kumar Anand, SP of Baruipur Police District, said four people, including the alleged mastermind, had been arrested and that investigators were looking into who else may be involved.

What Police Are Investigating

  • The alleged theft of cattle from different locations.
  • The alleged use of modified SUVs for transporting cattle.
  • The possible involvement of additional people in the network.
  • Possible links with cattle-smuggling networks in other districts.
  • Possible links with cross-border cattle smuggling.

Investigation Remains Underway

The four arrests are part of an ongoing police investigation. Authorities are examining the alleged network's operations and trying to determine whether additional suspects or locations are connected to the case.

The allegations against the arrested individuals remain subject to the investigation and judicial process.