In a disturbing late-night development that has renewed concerns over animal safety and organised cruelty, Dibrugarh Police have uncovered what is being investigated as a possible street dog killing racket. Three individuals were arrested during routine night patrolling in the early hours of Tuesday, January 20, sending shockwaves across the town, which has witnessed the unexplained disappearance of street dogs over the past several months.
Police officials said a patrol team noticed a vehicle moving suspiciously within the town limits at around 2 am. The vehicle, bearing registration number AS-02Z-5386, drew attention due to its unusual movement pattern. The team discreetly followed the vehicle before intercepting it and detaining its occupants.
The arrested individuals were identified as Syongkiri Rongphar (27), Waisong Rongpi (28), and Sensen Hamse (21), all residents of Karbi Anglong district.
A thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 15 jute rice bags, ropes, packets of biscuits and three mobile phones. Investigators said the seized items point towards a possible pre-planned operation, deepening suspicions amid longstanding public anxiety over the repeated disappearance of stray dogs from several areas of Dibrugarh.
For months, residents, animal lovers and welfare organisations have raised alarms over possible organised cruelty, illegal trafficking or mass killing of street dogs, particularly during night hours. The recovery of ropes and jute bags during the midnight interception has intensified fears that the arrested individuals may be part of a larger organised network operating under the cover of darkness.
Senior police officials confirmed that the accused are being subjected to sustained interrogation, while the seized mobile phones have been sent for forensic examination. Investigators are analysing call records, location data and digital communications to ascertain possible links to similar incidents or wider inter-district operations.
The incident has drawn sharp reactions from animal rights activists and civil society groups, who have demanded a time-bound investigation and strict legal action if the allegations are proven. “If substantiated, this is not just a crime but a deeply disturbing reflection of cruelty and lack of compassion,” an animal welfare activist said, urging authorities to invoke stringent provisions under animal protection laws.
