Raha, Aug 17: Residents of Mohkhuli, located under the Itachali police post in Nagaon, expressed their frustration on Sunday by vandalizing the homes of suspected drug users, claiming that local law enforcement has ignored the ongoing drug problem.

This mob action was the result of a collective decision made by the community, which accused the Nagaon police of routinely releasing suspects after only short detentions.

A local resident stated, “Our community has around 2,000 inhabitants, but only 4–5 individuals are involved in drug trafficking. We have raised our concerns with the authorities multiple times, yet no action has been taken. We felt compelled to act ourselves.”

The residents reported that they had previously submitted a list of suspected drug traffickers, including names such as Rashidul Haq, Abdul, Mainul Haq, Feroz Ali, and Sahidul, to the police. They claimed that despite lodging complaints with both the District Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police, no significant measures had been implemented.

Eventually, police arrived at the scene to restore order. Reports indicate that several homes were vandalized before law enforcement intervened.

A police official present at the scene remarked, “Three houses were damaged. The residents accused the occupants of being involved in drug trafficking. Of the three individuals mentioned, two are currently incarcerated, while one returned home two months ago. We are in the process of verifying their information.”

Residents of Mohkhuli expressed that drug peddling has been a persistent issue for nearly five years, with police apprehending suspects only to release them within two days.

One resident voiced their frustration, stating, “This has been ongoing for the past four to five years. Each time we alert the police, they apprehend the peddlers but let them go within two days. We demand severe penalties, including life imprisonment, for these offenders. If not, we will not permit them to remain in our village.”

As this report was being compiled, the mob had dispersed, but tensions remained high in Mohkhuli, with security forces deployed to avert any further disturbances.