The body of a 52-year-old man, identified as Montu Mia, was recovered from beneath a bridge over the Khutamara River in the Sitalkuchi area of West Bengal’s Cooch Behar district on Sunday morning. His family has alleged that he was intercepted and beaten to death by a group of alleged cow vigilantes while transporting a cow on Saturday evening.
Police have registered a criminal case and launched an investigation. At the time of the family’s allegations, no arrests had been reported.
Family alleges assault by cow vigilantes
Montu Mia, a resident of Nagar Shingimari village under Golenawhati Gram Panchayat, worked as a cattle handler (rakhal), earning a livelihood by escorting cattle purchased at local markets to buyers’ homes.
According to local residents, cattle trading in several markets under the Sitalkuchi police station area had remained suspended for nearly two months following the recent Assembly elections. The Gosai’s Market cattle market reportedly reopened on Saturday, attracting buyers and traders from surrounding villages.
Local sources said a resident of Pathantuli village, Yakub Mia, purchased a cow and requested Montu Mia to deliver it to his home. Witnesses stated that Montu left the market on foot with the animal on Saturday evening but never returned.
Body recovered after overnight search
Concerned when he failed to return home, family members searched for him throughout the night.
On Sunday morning, local fishermen reportedly spotted a body beneath the Khutamara River bridge. Police recovered the body, which was later identified as Montu Mia. The cow he had been transporting was also reportedly found near the scene and identified by its owner.
Family alleges brutal assault
According to the victim’s family, Montu Mia had suffered multiple injuries before his death.
Citing a report by Ganashakti, the family alleged that his body bore broken teeth and injuries across several parts of his body. They further claimed that acid had been poured on parts of his face and body before his body was dumped in the river.
Montu Mia’s father-in-law, Tariq Mia, alleged that his son-in-law had been targeted by self-styled cow vigilantes.
“They killed him, poured acid on his face and body, and threw him into the river. We demand a thorough investigation and exemplary punishment for those responsible,” he alleged.
These allegations have not been independently verified by police.
Wife recalls his final conversation
The victim’s wife, Aseda Khatun, said her husband had assured the family he would return home that night.
“He told us he would come back and have dinner with our seven-year-old daughter. When he did not return, we searched for him throughout the night. I never imagined we would find his body so far from home,” she said.
Neighbours described Montu Mia as a quiet and hardworking man who supported his family through daily wage work connected with cattle trading.
Residents demand impartial investigation
The incident has generated concern among residents of Nagar Shingimari and nearby villages.
Local resident Samaser Ali said the injuries suggested that Montu Mia had been subjected to severe violence.
“The injuries indicate that several people may have assaulted him. Whoever committed this crime must be identified and punished in accordance with the law,” he said.
Residents have urged the administration to conduct a transparent investigation and ensure accountability.
Police register case, probe underway
A written complaint was lodged at Sitalkuchi Police Station on Sunday.
Police confirmed that a criminal case, registered as Case No. 35/26, has been recorded and that an investigation is underway.
According to the victim’s family, however, no arrests had been made nearly 24 hours after the complaint was filed.
Police have not publicly confirmed the family’s allegations regarding the circumstances of Montu Mia’s death or identified any suspects.
CPI(M) alleges victim was party worker
The incident has also assumed political significance after leaders of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] alleged that Montu Mia was an active party worker.
Senior district leaders, including Moksedul Islam, Prosenjit Sarkar, Narayan Chandra Barman and Rakhal Chandra Sarkar, visited the bereaved family and assured them of legal assistance.
CPI(M) delegation alleges attack en route to village
Political tensions escalated further on Tuesday when a CPI(M) delegation led by Central Committee member Minakshi Mukherjee visited Sitalkuchi to meet the victim’s family.
The delegation also included State Committee members Alkesh Das and Anant Roy, along with district leaders Amit Dutt, Moksedul Alam and Prosenjit Sarkar.
According to the CPI(M), BJP supporters stopped the convoy before it reached the village, surrounded the vehicles and allegedly threw eggs at them.
Addressing reporters, Minakshi Mukherjee alleged that the incident occurred in the presence of police personnel.
“We were going to meet the family of one of our party workers who was killed. Our vehicle was attacked in front of the police, yet no action was taken. We will file a formal complaint against the officer-in-charge and demand immediate action,” she said.
She also questioned the law-and-order situation in the state, alleging that opposition leaders were being prevented from meeting victims’ families.
