BY TC News Desk
Agartala, August 12, 2023: An operation by Belonia police station on Friday led to the seizure of a Bolero vehicle transporting ten cows. The incident has sparked allegations of an intricate network engaging in covert dealings with cattle traffickers. As the investigation unfolds, Ratan Mitra, a figure associated with the illicit cow smuggling trade, has come into the spotlight.
Ratan Mitra, reportedly involved in the drug-dealing cow smuggling business, was summoned to the Belonia police station for questioning. Upon being confronted by reporters, Mitra confirmed his presence at the police station, revealing that he had been called in by a police officer.
Sources indicate that Ratan Mitra is the younger sibling of Subhash Mitra, the Kisan Morcha president in the Hrishyamukh assembly constituency. Furthermore, his connections extend to Manoranjan Baidya, Upa-Pradhan of Matai Panchayat. Allegedly, this association has facilitated the establishment of an illicit passage for cattle smuggling through the Matai Haripur region. Shockingly, it is claimed that each cow is subjected to a toll tax amounting to Rs 800, of which Rs 300 are directed to Ratan Mitra, while the remaining Rs 500 find their way into the pocket of Upa-Pradhan Manoranjan Baidya.
Sources suggest that numerous leaders from the ruling party are purportedly linked to diverse channels, hinting at a network of influence involved in the illicit trade. Journalists captured a revealing interaction between the police and traffickers on camera, indicating a concerning familiarity between the two parties. The incident raises concerns about the integrity of the police administration, potentially tarnishing its image by allegedly accommodating smugglers in exchange for monetary gains.
The southern district has gained notoriety as a hub for cattle smuggling activities, igniting public demands for the arrest and stringent punishment of the key figures orchestrating these unlawful operations. As investigations progress, the unraveling of this intricate web remains a focal point, as law enforcement aims to restore transparency and accountability.
