“Police Ask for ‘Tea Money’ Instead of Solving Theft”: Furious Cachar Villagers Warn of Police Station Gherao

Residents of Urrabil village in Labakpar Third Block under Lakhipur Police Station in Assam’s Cachar district have accused the police of failing to investigate a series of thefts and have alleged that officers demanded money from complainants. Angry over the repeated incidents, villagers have warned that they will stage a protest and gherao the police station if proper action is not taken.

According to local residents, several thefts have taken place in the village over the past few days. One of the incidents reportedly occurred on July 29, when the house of a woman identified as Sabia Sonar was allegedly burgled. Another major theft was reported on the night of August 2, when an electric motor from the Rangtila Basti Urrabil Water Supply Project was allegedly stolen.

Speaking to the media, local residents said they discovered the theft on the morning of August 3 after finding the pump house without its motor. They said the incident has disrupted the water supply for around 200 to 300 families, leaving hundreds of residents without access to clean drinking water.

One resident said the theft should not be viewed as an ordinary crime because every family dependent on the water supply project had been affected. He alleged that the police had failed to perform their duties despite repeated complaints.

Villagers also alleged that in an earlier theft case, the investigating police personnel demanded money from the complainant for “tea”. A woman who claimed to be a theft victim said she was asked to pay money despite already suffering financial losses. Another resident alleged that Rs 60,000, which he had saved for his daughter’s wedding, was stolen from his house.

Residents further claimed that several theft cases registered over the years, including some dating back to 2018, remain unsolved. They alleged that police officers visit the spot, prepare reports and leave without making progress in the investigations.

A case has reportedly been lodged in connection with the theft of the water supply project’s motor by Balram Dubey. Villagers including Kunal Dubey, Sabia Sonar, Rahul Saha, Ramchandra Dubey, Kunj Babu Singh and Balram Dubey expressed dissatisfaction over the handling of the cases and urged the police to conduct a fair and effective investigation.

Some residents also voiced suspicion about the role of the police, with a few alleging possible involvement. However, no evidence has been produced publicly to support these claims, and they remain allegations made by the villagers.

The residents have appealed to Lakhipur MLA and Assam Cabinet Minister Kaushik Rai to intervene and ensure action. They warned that if the police fail to investigate the thefts impartially and recover the stolen property, they will organise a protest and gherao Lakhipur Police Station.