Cops fire blank shots as anti-cattle theft vigil turns violent in Dibrugarh village

Dibrugarh: A community-led night vigil against cattle rustling in Maijan Natun Gaon escalated into a confrontation with police early Friday, prompting officers to fire blank rounds to disperse an agitated crowd.Residents said the village has been on alert for more than a week following repeated livestock thefts, with local youths organising night patrols during the new year period. Around 4am, the group spotted a vehicle with three occupants moving through village lanes and attempted to stop it. The driver allegedly tried to flee, but villagers blocked the road and forced the car to halt.According to residents, the occupants refused to step out, after which locals surrounded the vehicle and called the police. Tensions rose when police arrived and moved to take the three suspects into custody. The crowd attempted to snatch the detainees, with residents saying they wanted to deliver “mob justice.”Police fired blank shots into the air, but the crowd grew more agitated, accusing officers of shielding criminals. Dibrugarh senior superintendent of police Abhijit Gurav reached the spot with additional forces.Talking to reporters, Gurav said, “Around 4am, locals stopped a vehicle on suspicion of cattle theft. Our team reached shortly after receiving the call. The situation became tense as people tried to assault the detainees, forcing us to fire blank rounds to bring the situation under control.”Gurav said the three detainees were taken to Dibrugarh Police Station for questioning. “So far, no concrete evidence has been found linking them to cattle theft. Interrogation is underway, and we will take lawful action against anyone found guilty—whether the suspects or those who took the law into their own hands,” he added. He said the additional SP has been directed to monitor and investigate the entire incident.Locals alleged police inaction despite repeated complaints over the past week. “Cows were being taken every other night. We informed the police, but no one came to patrol. Left with no choice, we started our own vigil. But instead of supporting us, police fired in the air—it felt like we were the ones being targeted,” a local said.The area remained tense through the day, with additional police deployed to prevent further flare-ups.