Habiganj, July 27 (V7N) — A cattle trader from Madhabpur upazila of Habiganj has alleged that a group of armed robbers hijacked his pickup truck carrying 14 cows on the Dhaka-Sylhet highway in Shayestaganj upazila, taking away the cattle, cash and mobile phones.
The victim, Jubayer Ahmed, son of Abbas Mia from Shimulghar village in Madhabpur, claimed that he and three others were returning home after purchasing 14 cows from Jaflong cattle market in Jaintapur upazila of Sylhet.
According to Jubayer, the incident occurred at around 10:00pm on Saturday at Deundi intersection on the Dhaka-Sylhet highway, about 500 metres away from the Shayestaganj Highway Police Station.
He said two dump trucks blocked their pickup on the highway, after which several armed individuals took control of the situation and held the driver and cattle traders hostage at gunpoint.
The attackers allegedly took away the pickup truck loaded with 14 cows, Tk 200,000 in cash and five mobile phones. The victims were later dropped off at a nearby location on the highway while the robbers fled with the vehicle and cattle.
Jubayer Ahmed said, "My father and grandfather were also involved in the cattle business, and I have been in this profession for many years. I have never faced such an incident before."
He said he filed a written complaint at Shayestaganj Police Station on Sunday afternoon seeking legal action.
Shayestaganj Highway Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Shuvo Ranjan Chakma said he was not aware of the incident and that no complaint had been submitted to his station.
However, Shayestaganj Police Station OC Abul Kalam confirmed receiving a written complaint.
"We have received a complaint and are investigating the matter seriously. Legal action will be taken after the investigation is completed," he said.
The reported highway robbery has raised concerns among cattle traders and local business communities. They have demanded the swift arrest of those involved and the recovery of the stolen cattle and pickup truck.
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