Contrary to a news report made by the Assam Tribune where it was alleged that two youths from Nakachari in Mariani, Jorhat were held captive in Longtho, Mokokchung, the Mokokchung Police on Saturday clarified that the two individuals in question were, in fact, habitual cattle thieves. It has now been established that the two persons were not “held captive” as alleged by the Assam Tribune report but were arrested by the police.
Earlier, the Assam Tribune had reported that the youths were held captive in Longtho, Mokokchung district of Nagaland, by a group of Naga men, who demanded three individuals and a sum of Rs 2.50 lakh rupees in exchange for their freedom.
In a press release, the Additional Superintendent of Police & PRO, Mokokchung Police, clarified that the two individuals in question were, in fact, habitual cattle thieves. Hasim Ali and Zakir Ali, both residents of Balijan Natun Mati, Mariani, Assam, were arrested on July 29, 2024, at Tsutapela Check Gate.
The press release detailed the events leading up to the arrest. On July 28, 2024, a resident of Longtho reported that four of his cows were stolen in the early hours of the morning. A case was registered and an investigation revealed that a gang of cattle thieves had stolen the cattle from Longtho and another from Moayimti Village, transporting them to Assam in a pick-up truck.
Based on vehicle descriptions provided by witnesses and evidence at the crime scene, the Bolero pick-up truck used in the crime (B/R No. AS03C 5507, white color) was identified and seized. Hasim Ali and Zakir Ali were arrested and brought to the police station for investigation, where they confessed that five individuals, including Alfred and Rinku (the vehicle’s owners), and an unknown person were involved in the theft and had disposed of the cattle at Amguri Char Ali, Assam.
A team led by OC Longtho PS went to Maraini and raided the houses of the other co-accused persons but they were found absconding and evading arrest.
“Police are making efforts to arrest the absconders involved in the crime,” it stated. Police stations have been instructed to remain highly vigilant to prevent such crimes and firmly deal with those criminals as per the law.
The Superintendent of Police Mokokchung commended the OC Longtho PS and his team for their timely arrest of the cattle thieves, who have been creating havoc in the border areas.