52 Cattle Stolen in 2 Months: Belonia Cattle Theft Case Leads to Breakthrough, SP South Say Larger Cross-Border Network Active, 3 arrested

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, May 21, 2026

In a major breakthrough against organized cattle theft and smuggling, the South Tripura district police have arrested three alleged members of a notorious cattle theft gang from Melaghar in connection with a series of thefts reported in Belonia subdivision. The arrested individuals include Sabuj Miya, Imran Hossain, and one minor.

According to South Tripura Superintendent of Police Mouriya Krishna, IPS, at least 52 cattle were stolen within the last two months in the Belonia region alone, creating panic among farmers and cattle owners. The police suspect that the arrested accused are part of a much larger organized network involved in stealing cattle from different districts of Tripura and smuggling them into Bangladesh through border areas.

The SP stated that the gang has around 20 to 25 active members operating across various districts of the state. After nearly one month of continuous surveillance, intelligence gathering, and coordinated operations, the South District Police managed to identify the network and finally detained the three accused during a late-night operation on Thursday.

Police sources revealed that the stolen cattle were allegedly transported towards bordering areas before being smuggled into Bangladesh. Investigators believe that several vulnerable border routes are being used regularly for such illegal activities.

Major Smuggling Routes Under Scanner Sources indicate that large-scale cattle and goat smuggling has been continuing for a long time through border regions such as Sonamura, Boxanagar, and Kalamchoura. Reports suggest that, on average, nearly 90 to 100 cattle and goats are stolen every month from different parts of Tripura and subsequently trafficked across the international border into Bangladesh.

Local residents and affected cattle owners have repeatedly raised concerns over the growing menace of organized cattle theft. Many villagers alleged that despite numerous complaints in several police station areas, strong action had not been taken earlier against the organized syndicates involved in the cross-border smuggling racket.

However, the recent operation by the South Tripura police as per DGP Anurag Dhankar instructions has raised hopes among residents that stronger enforcement measures may now be initiated against the larger network involved in cattle theft and illegal border smuggling.

Police officials confirmed that further investigation is underway to identify and arrest other members linked to the gang. Interrogation of the arrested accused is expected to reveal details regarding transport routes, local handlers, buyers, and cross-border connections.

The South District Police have also intensified monitoring in vulnerable border belts and are likely to conduct more raids in the coming days as part of the ongoing crackdown against organized cattle theft and smuggling operations in Tripura.

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