Assam Police Arrest 856 in Cattle Smuggling Crackdown

Guwahati: Assam has intensified its efforts to dismantle illegal cattle smuggling networks, resulting in the arrests of 856 individuals and the seizure of 2,980 kilograms of beef. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the ongoing enforcement operations, emphasizing that the state maintains a zero tolerance policy toward the illicit trade. He stated that these measures will remain in effect until all illegal smuggling and theft activities across the region are eliminated.

The crackdown follows a series of formal complaints submitted earlier this year by PETA India. In communications sent to the state Department of Animal Husbandry and the Director General of Police, the organization raised alarms regarding the unlawful transportation of animals originating from the Bangalmara Bazaar cattle market. PETA alleged that cattle were frequently moved at night toward Nagaon without the required veterinary certifications or proper documentation.

The animal rights group urged officials to enforce stricter compliance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and various transport safety regulations. While local authorities have not addressed the specific allegations raised by PETA, the government continues to aggressively target organized transport networks to halt the illegal movement of cattle.