Assam: ‘Police’ Gang Hijacks Vehicle in Sivasagar, Loots Poultry Worth Rs 2.5 Lakh

A gang of armed men allegedly posing as police personnel intercepted a broiler chicken-laden vehicle on National Highway 37 in Sivasagar ’s Jhanji area and fled with poultry worth around Rs 2.5 lakh, police said. The incident took place in the early hours under the jurisdiction of Gaurisagar Police Station when the vehicle, bearing registration number AS 05 C 7289, was transporting broiler chickens from Golaghat district. According to the driver, the vehicle was carrying around 1,650 kg of broiler chickens when a group travelling in an Ertiga intercepted it at Jhanji. The men, who were dressed in police uniforms and allegedly carrying firearms, forcibly took the driver and two other persons travelling in the vehicle into the Ertiga. The group also allegedly took away their mobile phones and blindfolded them before driving away with the poultry-laden vehicle. The victims were later taken towards the Moranhat bypass, where they were allegedly abandoned in the early hours with their eyes covered. The accused reportedly fled with the broiler chickens after taking the vehicle towards the Sivasagar bypass. The vehicle was later found abandoned near Thaora Tea Estate, while the poultry was allegedly taken away by the group. Gaurisagar Police launched an investigation following the incident and managed to rescue the driver and the other two persons. The poultry-laden vehicle was also recovered. Police subsequently recovered the stolen broiler chickens from the residential premises of Chandeswar Darig, a retired teacher of Afala Mising Primary School, at Taxi Ali-Kayum Nagar in Sivasagar town. The recovery has led police to suspect the involvement of Darig’s son, Mahanti Darig, in the incident. Mahanti is currently absconding, police said. Several other persons suspected to be involved in the robbery are also on the run. Police have not yet identified the other members of the gang and have launched a search to trace them. Also Read: Assam: Three Held in Rangia After Highway Robbery Attempt