Princh Mondal Olif, Bagerhat District Correspondent

The Detective Branch (DB) of Bagerhat Police has recovered 11 stolen cattle and seized a pickup van allegedly used to transport them, following a breakthrough in the investigation of a cattle theft case filed with Fakirhat Police Station. Three suspected members of an inter-district cattle theft syndicate were also arrested during the operation.

The recovery operation was conducted at around 3:40 am on Thursday (July 30) in Katenga village under Barasat Union of Terokhada Upazila in Khulna. Police said the recovered cattle, comprising both calves and adult animals, have an estimated market value of around Tk 1 million.

Bagerhat Superintendent of Police Hasan Mohammad Naser Rikabdar confirmed the matter.

According to police, two accused in the Fakirhat cattle theft case—Imran Sheikh (40) and Nahid Sheikh (27)—were arrested earlier and later taken on remand with the court's approval. During interrogation, they allegedly disclosed crucial information that led investigators to the stolen cattle.

Acting on the information, DB police first recovered a pickup van bearing registration number Khulna Metro-N-11-2022 from the Sheuli Filling Station area in Fakirhat. Investigators believe the vehicle was used to transport the stolen cattle.

Subsequently, a raid was carried out at the residence of Arif Molla in Katenga village of Terokhada Upazila. During the operation, police recovered 11 stolen cattle from a cowshed on the premises and arrested Arif Molla (38) on charges of possessing stolen property.

The arrested persons are Imran Sheikh (40) of Shyambaghat village in Fakirhat Upazila, Nahid Sheikh (27) of Solakura Dakshinpara village in Rampal Upazila, and Arif Molla (38) of Katenga village in Terokhada Upazila, Khulna.

Police records show that Imran Sheikh has six criminal cases against him, including charges of murder, house trespass, receiving stolen property, offences under the Special Powers Act, and assault, in addition to one General Diary (GD). Nahid Sheikh has three cases related to preparation for dacoity, receiving stolen property, and theft. Arif Molla has two cases filed against him on charges of receiving stolen property and assault.

Superintendent of Police Hasan Mohammad Naser Rikabdar said the investigation into the Fakirhat cattle theft case had made significant progress with the recovery of the stolen cattle and the arrest of the suspects. He added that efforts are continuing to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate involved in the theft.

Police said legal procedures are underway, and the recovered cattle will be returned to their rightful owners after completion of the necessary formalities.