5 cattle smugglers held, BSF claims

SHILLONG: The Border Security Force (BSF) has claimed that it apprehended five persons, including two Bangladeshis, in West Garo Hills for their alleged involvement in cattle smuggling. The BSF troops deployed at Fokachindi in the district apprehended a 20-year-old Bangladeshi, Md Majanur Rahman, who was trying to cross the border. The BSF men seized Rs 27,000 and a mobile phone from Rahman’s possession. A joint team of BSF troops and State police later raided Hatimara village based on Rahman’s statement. The team arrested Rinzing M. Sangma (50) of Hathimara, and Saftan N. Sangma (22) and Pal Marak (49) of Fokachindi. Another Bangladeshi, Mona Miya (20), was arrested. All of them were planning to smuggle cattle, BSF claimed. In the last four days, BSF troops have seized 169 animals and contraband worth more than Rs 68 lakh, a statement said.