Rising theft cases trigger concerns in Teliamura

A series of cattle and motorcycle thefts in different areas under the jurisdiction of Teliamura police station has triggered concern among locals over the effectiveness of policing.

The latest incident was reported from Pulinpura area along the Assam–Agartala National Highway, where two cattle heads were allegedly stolen from the cowshed of a local farmer and daily wage earner, Chandan Debnath. 

Debnath told police that he last saw his cattle in the shed around 3 am on Friday, and later found two of them missing. He alleged that when he approached the police to lodge a complaint, he was asked why there was no CCTV camera installed at his house and claimed he was subjected to discouraging remarks.

Sources said that inquiries at the nearby Hawaibari naka point revealed that key CCTV cameras at the check post were not functioning. The naka point has frequently been accused by locals of irregularities, including allegations that it is being misused for facilitating theft and other illegal activities. There are also allegations that vehicles, particularly those transporting cattle, are routinely charged unofficial amounts ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 1,000 at the check post.

Police sources said the incident involving Debnath was not isolated. In recent weeks, nearly 25 cattle have reportedly been stolen from different locations under the Teliamura police station area. The repeated incidents have heightened anxiety among villagers, particularly those dependent on cattle rearing and farming for livelihood.

The issue has also raised political questions locally, with some sections of the public questioning the role of the ruling establishment, which often campaigns on cattle protection. Local sources alleged that some youth leaders linked to the ruling party in Teliamura and nearby Krishnapur areas were involved in cattle trade and trafficking, and that such activities were taking place with local patronage. These allegations could not be independently verified.

Concerns have also been raised over security arrangements at the Teliamura police station itself. Locals pointed out that CCTV cameras at the police station gate have remained non-functional for years. Taking advantage of this, a motorcycle belonging to an employee of the Teliamura electricity department was reportedly stolen from in front of the police station about a fortnight ago.

Earlier, on January 13, five motorcycles were allegedly stolen on the same night from the Paush Sankranti fair at Chakmaghat. Police have so far not been able to trace any of the stolen vehicles, sources said.

The series of incidents has led to growing public scrutiny of the functioning of Teliamura police, with villagers demanding effective policing and adequate security measures to protect lives and property.