Guwahati, Feb 22: A suspected cattle smuggler has been shot dead by BSF troopers in the Mankachar area of Assam, adjoining South West Garo Hills district on Thursday.
The incident took place in the Kukurmara area near the Indo-Bangladesh border when BSF troops on duty spotted activity close to the border fencing.
According to sources, the cattle smuggler tried to escape from the BSF before he was shot. He sustained a bullet injury and died before medical assistance could be given, said a police official.
The deceased has been identified as Shahinur Islam (26), a resident of Char Kukurmara village of the district.
Cattle smuggling has been rampant across the region with smugglers on the Indian side of the border bringing in herds from mainland India and pushing the animals across the border by taking advantage of the flowing Brahmaputra river.
Sources said cattle smuggling is a persistent issue in border areas like South Salmara-Mankachar, given the proximity to Bangladesh and the economic incentive involved.
According to reports, every year more than 2 million Indian cattle are smuggled to Bangladesh.
