In a dramatic turn of events in Shibpur Upazila, Narsingdi, three men were caught by local residents while attempting to steal a calf in a private car bearing a “journalist” sticker. The suspects were subjected to a public beating before being handed over to Shibpur Model Police Station for formal processing.
The theft took place in the early hours of Sunday, 1 March, around 3:30 am at the residence of Arif Mia, son of the late Azim Uddin, in Daripura, Joynagar Union. The perpetrators used a private vehicle with the registration number Dhaka Metro-G-13-9565 in their escape attempt.
Vigilant neighbours reportedly spotted the suspects fleeing with the stolen calf and immediately intervened. Enraged by the crime, the local community administered a collective beating to the men before police arrived at the scene. Shibpur Model Police Station swiftly rescued the suspects and escorted them to the station under custody.
Suspect Details
| Name | Age | Hometown / Parentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Md. Shah Alam Shah | 32 | Biramchar, Shayestaganj, Habiganj; son of the late Nizam Uddin Shah | Arrested at scene |
| Samsul Islam | 40 | Bahair Uttarpara, Brahmanbaria Sadar; son of Chan Mia | Arrested at scene |
| Yusuf Mia Sohag | 35 | Kalagazi, Bahair Uttarpara, Brahmanbaria; son of Musa Mia | Arrested at scene |
Shibpur Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Kohinur Mia confirmed the incident, noting, “The three men were apprehended by residents while attempting to steal a calf. They were initially subjected to mob justice before our intervention. We ensured they received medical attention at Shibpur Government Hospital before filing formal charges.”
The police have lodged a case against the suspects for cow theft. Authorities emphasised that residents should refrain from taking the law into their own hands, warning that vigilantism can result in legal consequences even when intentions are righteous.
Investigators are also examining the use of the “journalist” sticker on the vehicle, which appears to have been an attempt to evade scrutiny. Police are probing whether the suspects were involved in previous livestock thefts in the region.
The incident underscores the tension between communities’ desire for immediate justice and the formal legal process designed to handle criminal acts. While the swift action of locals prevented the theft from succeeding, law enforcement officials continue to stress the importance of reporting crimes through proper channels to ensure justice is served lawfully and safely.