7 arrested after cow skulls found near Assam prayer hall

Guwahati: Seven persons have been arrested in connection with the alleged recovery of three cow skulls near a Namghar (prayer hall) in Assam’s Lakhimpur district, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Wednesday.

''In a swift and coordinated response, Lakhimpur Police have apprehended 7 individuals in connection with the recovery of 3 cattle skulls found approximately 30 meters from Siring Chuk Namghar, along the roadside'', the Chief Minister posted on 'X'.

The arrested persons are Monsur Ali, Md. Rejjak Ali, Saha Ali, Diluar Hussain, Dildar Hussain, Abu Kalam Ali and Jahidul Islam, he said.

''During a search at Monsur Ali’s residence, 3 additional cattle skulls were recovered and seized. Investigation is ongoing, including technical analysis'', Sarma added.

Recently, shoot-at-sight orders during night hours were issued in Dhubri district after a cow’s head was found in front of a Hanuman temple the day after Bakrid.

The following day, another cattle skull was discovered at the same spot, accompanied by incidents of stone pelting.

On June 8, Sarma had said several cattle were allegedly slaughtered illegally at several places during Bakrid festival, and parts of the meat were thrown at multiple locations across Assam.

Police have so far arrested over 60 people, with over 50 in Dhubri alone, in connection with the illegal slaughter of cows to create communal disturbances in the state.