Impersonation Leads to Public Beating in Cow Theft Case

In a dramatic incident in Shibpur Upazila, Narsingdi, three men were apprehended by local residents while attempting to steal a calf using a private car adorned with a “journalist” sticker. The suspects were subjected to a public beating before being handed over to Shibpur Model Police Station.

The theft occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 1 March, at around 3:30 am in Daripura, Joynagar Union, at the residence of the late Azim Uddin’s son, Arif Mia. The perpetrators used a private vehicle bearing the registration number Dhaka Metro-G-13-9565 in their escape attempt.

Eyewitnesses reported that the suspects were caught red-handed by vigilant locals while trying to flee with the stolen calf. Angered by the crime, the community gave the three men a collective beating before police arrived at the scene. Shibpur Model Police Station promptly intervened, rescuing the suspects and taking them into custody.

Suspects Details

Shibpur Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Kohinur Mia confirmed the incident, stating, “The three men were apprehended by local residents while attempting to steal a calf. They were initially subjected to mob justice before our officers intervened. We took them to Shibpur Government Hospital to receive medical attention.”

The police have filed a formal case against the suspects for cow theft. Authorities have also urged residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands, emphasising that vigilantism could lead to legal complications even for well-intentioned citizens.

The incident has raised concerns about impersonation, as the use of a “journalist” sticker on the vehicle appears to have been an attempt to evade suspicion. Police are investigating whether the suspects have links to previous livestock thefts in the region.

This case highlights the tension between rural communities’ desire for immediate justice and the legal processes designed to address criminal activity. While the quick action of the locals prevented the theft from succeeding, law enforcement authorities continue to emphasise the importance of handling such incidents through proper channels.