Panic has spread across West Kanchanmala village under Amtali police station of West Tripura district after cattle lifters struck three houses in the same neighbourhood on Thursday midnight, making away with three cows worth an estimated Rs 2.5 lakh.
According to local residents, the thieves targeted the houses of Paresh Majumdar, Prabir Majumdar and Prashanta Chowdhury in West Kanchanmala and stole one cow from each household under the cover of darkness. The victims estimated the combined market value of the stolen cattle at around Rs 2.5 lakh.
Residents recalled that a similar incident had occurred nearly two years ago when several cows were stolen from two houses near Kanchanmala Bazar. After a long gap, the cattle thieves are believed to have become active once again, using the same modus operandi to strike the area.
The theft came to light on Friday morning when the owners went to their cattle sheds to take out their cows and found them missing. Their cries for help drew neighbours to the scene, following which the matter was reported to the Amtali police station.
Police personnel from Amtali rushed to the spot and conducted a preliminary investigation into the incident. Local sources alleged that the thieves had also attempted to steal cattle from several other houses during the night but failed.
Speaking to reporters, victim Paresh Majumdar said that selling milk from his cows was the primary source of livelihood for his family. He said he used to sell four to five litres of milk every day, and the theft has left him financially as well as mentally devastated.
The incident has triggered fear among cattle owners in the locality. The three victims—Paresh Majumdar, Prabir Majumdar and Prashanta Chowdhury—have appealed to the police administration to intensify efforts to recover the stolen cattle and arrest those responsible. They expressed hope that with a dedicated investigation, the stolen cows and the culprits could be traced and brought to justice.