Sarimul Laskar, Silchar:- In a significant breakthrough amid the Assam government’s intensified crackdown on illegal cattle smuggling, Barakhala Police intercepted a lorry carrying 15 cows in the Balachara area of Cachar district. The driver was arrested, and the vehicle was seized, creating widespread sensation in the region.
Acting on a credible secret tip-off, Barakhala Police Station Officer-in-Charge Kulendra Kumar Huzuri led a special operation on Thursday. During the raid, the police seized a lorry bearing registration number AS-01-NC-9425. A thorough search revealed 15 cows carefully concealed inside the vehicle. The driver, identified as Moin Uddin, a resident of Morigaon district, was immediately arrested and interrogated. On Saturday, he was produced before the Silchar court, which remanded him to judicial custody.
This incident highlights the Assam government’s firm stance against cow slaughter and illegal cattle smuggling. With Eid-ul-Adha approaching, the state administration has directed strict vigilance across Assam to prevent any violation of the law. Under the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, the government has strengthened enforcement to curb unlawful transportation, slaughter, and trade of cattle while maintaining law and order and communal harmony.
The Act completely prohibits the slaughter of cows, calves, and heifers. Slaughter of other cattle is permitted only under strict conditions, including a fitness certificate from a registered veterinary officer confirming the animal is over 14 years of age or has become permanently incapacitated due to injury or deformity. Such slaughter can take place only in government-licensed slaughterhouses. Public slaughter is strictly banned, and transportation of cattle for illegal purposes attracts severe penalties. The government is also planning to issue a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure that cow sacrifice does not occur within a five-kilometer radius of temples, satras, and other religious institutions.
The 15 rescued cows are currently in the safe custody of Barakhala Police. Authorities are providing proper care to the animals and making efforts to trace their rightful owners. A case has been registered against the arrested driver under the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, and other relevant sections of law. Investigation is continuing to uncover the larger smuggling network and identify other individuals involved.
Local residents have appreciated the prompt action by Barakhala Police and demanded stronger measures from the administration to completely stop illegal cattle smuggling and slaughter in the area.
