Two killed on suspicion of cattle smuggling in north Bengal

Two persons were beaten to death by a mob on suspicion of cattle smuggling while their companion was arrested on Sunday in north Bengal's Jalpaiguri district, police said.

The three men were transporting cows on two pick-up vans when two of them were caught by the villagers at Jharsalboni area near Dhupguri. One managed to flee.

"Two persons - Hafizul Sheikh and Anwar Hussain - were beaten to death by the villagers on suspicion of cattle smuggling. The incident occurred in the early hours. We are checking if the victims were legitimate cattle traders or smugglers," an official from Dhupguri police station said.

"The two victims were taken to the hospital later where they were declared brought dead," the official said, adding that the third accused was arrested in the morning.

Asked whether the killing of two accused was public rage or instigated by cow vigilante groups, police said: "The investigation is going on."

--IANS

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