A cattle theft followed by on-site slaughter has been reported at a Catholic mission in Shaistaganj upazila of Habiganj, raising concern among local residents.

According to mission sources, the incident took place late at night on May 1 at St. Francis GBR Catholic Mission in the Sudiyakhla area. Miscreants reportedly broke open the cowshed and stole a bull. The animal was later slaughtered behind the mission premises, and the meat was taken away. Remains of the animal were found scattered at the scene.

Suman Sarkar, manager of the mission, said that several cattle were being reared under mission-funded agricultural initiatives. The stolen bull, black in colour, was valued at approximately Tk 80,000.

Father Markus Murmu Pal, the priest of the mission, said the institution runs a range of agro-based activities, including paddy cultivation, livestock and poultry farming, and fish culture. A centre for children with disabilities is also operated there with support from donors.

A written complaint has been filed with Shaistaganj Police Station. Officer-in-Charge Md Abul Kalam said police have begun investigating the matter and are working to identify those involved.

Contacted by phone in the evening, the OC said a case would be filed and necessary legal steps are currently underway.