Illegal Cattle Trade: Assam Police Arrests Multiple Individuals, Seizes 113 Animals

Guwahati: In a major crackdown on cattle smuggling, Assam Police made significant recoveries, seizing a total of 113 animals from three separate trucks within the state. The operations resulted in the arrest of several individuals involved in the illegal trade.

The authorities first intercepted a truck in Jorabat, where 35 live animals were discovered. Both the driver and a passenger, hailing from Nagaon district, were apprehended. Another truck, carrying 42 cattle, was intercepted in Sonapur, leading to the arrest of the driver and another person. In Nagaon district, a third truck carrying 36 cattle was seized, resulting in the arrest of two individuals. Notably, all three trucks were destined for Meghalaya.

The Assam Police spokesperson emphasized that the majority of the seized cattle trucks were headed towards Meghalaya. The arrested individuals are currently being interrogated to uncover more information about this illegal network.

Cattle smuggling has been a persistent issue in Assam, despite the enactment of the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021. Under this legislation, the police possess the authority to enter the homes of suspects and seize properties acquired within the last six years through proceeds from illicit cattle trade.

Moreover, the Assam Cattle Preservation Bill, 2021, prohibits the slaughter and sale of beef in areas where Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs form a majority, or within a five-kilometre radius of significant religious institutions.

Recently, a tanker truck near Sonapur in Guwahati was intercepted, leading to the rescue of 40 animals and the arrest of two individuals. The smuggled cattle were being transported from Dhemaji in Assam to Meghalaya.

Reports reveal that cattle smugglers often target stray animals from Dhemaji and Silapathar areas, transporting them to Meghalaya and Bangladesh for consumption. The ongoing efforts by the Assam Police reflect their determination to curb this thriving illegal trade and protect the state’s cattle population.