Tinsukia, April 26: Five persons, including three juveniles, have been taken into custody in connection with a betel nut theft case that escalated into violence and an attack on police personnel at Talap in Tinsukia district, officials said on April 26.
The incident originated from a complaint filed by a resident of Kopratuli under the Talap outpost, which falls within the jurisdiction of Doomdooma Police Station. Based on the complaint, police registered a case under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to theft, possession of stolen property, and offences involving obstruction and assault on public servants.
Acting on the FIR, police apprehended three juveniles, aged between 13 and 16 years, allegedly while they were engaged in the theft. During the investigation, another individual was detained for allegedly purchasing stolen betel nuts from the minors.
Tensions escalated soon after the detentions, when a large group of local residents reportedly gathered and surrounded the Talap police outpost. Despite efforts by police to defuse the situation, a section of the crowd allegedly turned violent and assaulted personnel, leaving several officers injured.
Police subsequently arrested another individual for alleged involvement in the attack, taking the total number of those in custody to five. Officials said the two adult accused have been remanded to judicial custody, while the juveniles were produced before the Juvenile Justice Board and sent to a reform home.
Authorities noted that such incidents are often reported during the betel nut harvesting season in the district, when thefts increase due to high market demand. Police sources indicated that these cases are frequently linked to informal supply chains where stolen produce is purchased for quick profit.
Talap outpost in-charge Ankur Jyoti Borah said strict legal action would be taken against those involved in both theft and violence. Police have also appealed to the public to cooperate in maintaining law and order, adding that surveillance has been intensified in vulnerable areas during the peak trading season.
