Tension Erupts in Silchar Over Alleged Cow Slaughter in Tarapur area

An incident of alleged cow slaughter in Silchar’s Tarapur area sparked outrage on Monday, leading to the arrest of two individuals and intense protests by local residents and Bajrangdal members. The incident has set off a wave of tension on the day of Eid, highlighting the sensitivities surrounding cattle slaughter in the region.

Two individuals were apprehended from Madan Mohan Road, Tarapur, today for allegedly slaughtering a cow for consumption. The arrested individuals were identified as Thinang Rongmai and Chamlak Po Rongmai The arrests followed a raid where suspected beef was reportedly found stored in a bag inside a residence.

The incident began when Bajrangdal members received reports of a cow being slaughtered in the Tarapur Madan Mohan Road area. Acting on this information, they visited the location but did not witness the act of slaughter. However, they allegedly found what they believed to be beef stored in a bag. The members promptly informed the Cachar Police, who confiscated the meat and apprehended two individuals. The main suspect reportedly managed to escape.

A Bajrangdal member stated that they had received information about the alleged cow slaughter and visited the area, where they found the suspected beef. They immediately informed the police, who seized the meat and arrested two people. The Bajrangdal member emphasised that they and the local community would not remain calm until the main culprit is arrested, warning of a large-scale protest if action is not taken swiftly. They also mentioned that if any further incidents occur, the authorities would be held responsible.

Soon, MLA Dipayan Chakraborty arrived at the police station and addressed the media. He confirmed the incident and explained that, according to reports, a cow had been slaughtered in the area. Although Bajrangdal members did not witness the slaughtering, they discovered beef being stored in bags. Chakraborty stated that the Bajrangdal members had informed the police, urging them to arrest those involved.

According to the Assam Cattle Preservation Act of 2021, the slaughter of cattle is prohibited unless a fit-to-slaughter certificate is issued by the concerned authorities. Slaughtering of cows deemed fit-to-slaughter is only allowed in areas that are not within a five-kilometre radius of Hindu, Jain, or Sikh places of worship. Madan Mohan Road is in close proximity to various Hindu religious sites, making the incident particularly sensitive.

The situation remains tense in Tarapur, with local residents demanding swift justice and stringent action against the perpetrators to maintain communal harmony in the area.