Assam: Alleged Cow Vigilantes "Extort" Rs 20 Lakh from Cattle Truck in Nalbari Despite Valid Permits

Guwahati: Allegations of extortion and vigilantism have surfaced in Assam'sNalbari district following an alleged late-night interception of a cattle-transport truck by a group of youths, who reportedly demanded Rs 20 lakh from the vehicle's occupants.

The truck, registered under WB 73 G-9907 and carrying 13 cows from Bihar to Arunachal Pradesh, was reportedly equipped with valid government-issued challans permitting the transportation. However, preliminary reports indicate that a group of six to seven young men, claiming to act in the name of cow protection, stopped and harassed the driver and his helpers.

The incident began near Tihu in Nalbari district, where the youths allegedly arrived in two four-wheeled vehicles and blocked the truck's path. One of the pursuing vehicles, bearing registration AS 01 FB-0115, reportedly crashed during the initial confrontation.

After being allowed to proceed from Tihu, the truck was allegedly chased and forcibly halted again at Suradi on National Highway 27. A second collision occurred there, causing damage to one of the interceptors' vehicles.

The events unfolded around 1:00 am, highlighting growing concerns about highway safety during nighttime hours and the rise of alleged vigilante actions targeting transporters on key routes.

Police are reportedly investigating the matter.

Also Read: Planning a Trip to Arunachal Pradesh? Here's Everything You Need to Know About the Inner Line Permit (ILP)