Authorities in Siliguri have launched a formal investigation following a fatal mob violence incident in Tarabari, located under the Bagdogra police jurisdiction. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, October 3, 2026, resulted in the deaths of two men, identified as Md. Shahid Akhtar, 45, of Chopra, North Dinajpur, and Sajjad Mohammad, also known as Shad Mohammad, 28, of Haryana. The victims were allegedly assaulted by local residents who suspected them of cattle theft.
Three other individuals sustained injuries during the encounter and were subsequently admitted to North Bengal Medical College and Hospital for treatment. These injured persons are Amir Sattar, Akram Khan, and Arif Khan, all residents of Haryana. During the violence, the mob reportedly set fire to a pickup van used by the suspected cattle thieves and vandalized a second vehicle.
Siliguri Police Commissioner Syed Waqar Raza confirmed that a comprehensive investigation is underway, covering areas under the Bagdogra, Matigara, and Panighata police stations. Assistant Commissioner of Police for the East Zone, Anirban Majumder, stated that authorities are reviewing video footage and questioning residents to identify those involved in the attack. Law enforcement agencies have registered a case involving charges of rioting, homicide, voluntarily causing grievous hurt, and mischief by fire or explosive substance. As of Sunday, October 4, 2026, police have arrested seven individuals in connection with the incident, and they were produced before the Siliguri court. Officers have also increased deployments in the region to prevent further unrest.
