Assam Police bust cattle smuggling network, one arrested

Guwahati, Aug 10 (IANS) Assam Police have intensified their crackdown on suspected cattle smuggling in Dhubri district, arresting one person and rescuing five cattle during an operation in the Choto Bajjani area, officials said on Monday.

Acting on specific inputs about the alleged transportation of cattle, a team from the College Nagar Police Outpost launched an operation in the area. It intercepted a four‑wheeler bearing registration number AS 17 N 1955. During the search of the vehicle, police recovered five cattle that were allegedly being transported illegally.

One person, identified as Taharul Ali, was arrested in connection with the case. The accused is being questioned to ascertain the source of the cattle, their intended destination and the possible involvement of others in the alleged smuggling network.

Police have also initiated further legal proceedings in connection with the seizure and arrest. The latest action is part of Assam Police’s continued efforts to curb illegal cattle transportation and smuggling, particularly in districts bordering neighbouring states and international borders.

Dhubri, which shares a sensitive international border with Bangladesh, has remained a key area of focus for law enforcement agencies dealing with cattle smuggling and other forms of cross‑border crime. Assam Police have maintained that strict action will be taken against those involved in the illegal transportation of cattle.

Law enforcement agencies have also been conducting vehicle checks, surveillance and targeted operations in vulnerable areas to prevent cattle from being moved through unauthorised routes.

The issue of cattle smuggling has remained politically and socially sensitive in Assam, with successive governments emphasising stronger enforcement against illegal transportation while maintaining that legitimate cattle trade and transportation should not be disrupted.

Officials said the investigation into the Dhubri seizure is underway and further details are expected to emerge as questioning of the arrested person progresses. Police are also examining the vehicle and other evidence recovered during the operation to determine whether the case has links with a larger cattle smuggling network operating in the region.

–IANS

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