PABNA, Aug 9 (V7N) — Police have arrested a local Jubo Dal activist after allegedly recovering two stolen cattle from an underground area beneath his house in Komorpur village of Pabna Sadar upazila.
The suspect was identified as Shariful Islam Pradhan, son of the late Ismail Pramanik of the area. Police conducted the operation at his residence in the Border Bazar area of Komorpur at around 9:00pm on Friday.
Pabna Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Tarikul Islam confirmed the arrest and recovery.
According to police and local sources, a cow was reported stolen from the area late Thursday night. After local residents verbally informed police about the incident, officers began investigating the case.
Police subsequently received information that stolen cattle had allegedly been brought into the area. Acting on the information, officers conducted a search of Shariful's residence and recovered two cattle from an underground section of the property.
Police said one of the recovered cattle has already been identified by its owner. Authorities are preparing to take a formal complaint from the owner before proceeding with further legal action.
The arrested man is reportedly involved in Jubo Dal politics. Photographs of a banner bearing his image and identifying him with the district Jubo Dal were also found, according to local sources.
However, Pabna Sadar Police OC Tarikul Islam said police had not yet confirmed whether Shariful had any official organisational position.
“Shariful, who is suspected of involvement in cattle theft, has been brought to the police station. During preliminary questioning, he provided the names of several people who may be involved in the alleged network. We are verifying the information and attempting to arrest them,” the officer said.
District Jubo Dal Convener Ilias Ahmed Himel Rana said the organisation supported legal action against anyone involved in criminal activity.
“We want the offender to face justice, whoever he may be. The organisation does not create criminals. Some individuals may become involved with political organisations while engaging in criminal activities, but that does not make the organisation responsible for their actions,” he said.
Responding to photographs allegedly showing Shariful with political leaders, Rana said individuals sometimes use photographs taken with political figures for various purposes.
“People take photographs with leaders in different circumstances and later use those images in various ways. It is not always possible to identify everyone. Once someone's actual activities become known, there is no question of providing them with protection or patronage,” he said.
Police said further investigation is under way to determine the ownership of the recovered cattle and identify others who may have been involved in the alleged theft.
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