Guwahati, Sep 14 (IANS) Assam Police rescued 82 heads of cattle allegedly being illegally smuggled in Abhayapuri locality in the Bongaigaon district following a tip-off, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Monday.
In a post on X, Sarma said the operation was carried out on the basis of secret information and reiterated that attempts to evade the law would not succeed. “Trying to escape the law is futile,” the Chief Minister said, while highlighting the action taken by Assam Police against the alleged cattle smuggling operation.
According to Sarma, police personnel intercepted the suspected smuggling operation in Abhayapuri and rescued 82 cattle. Two vehicles allegedly being used to transport the animals were also seized during the operation.
The operation also revealed that two of the cattle being transported were found dead. The circumstances surrounding their deaths and the conditions in which the animals were being transported are expected to form part of the investigation.
Sarma said instructions had been issued to identify all individuals involved in the alleged illegal animal smuggling operation and ensure strict legal action against them.
The Chief Minister’s statement comes as Assam authorities continue to emphasise action against organised networks involved in the illegal transportation of cattle and other animals. Police operations based on intelligence inputs have been stepped up in different parts of the state to intercept vehicles suspected of being involved in unlawful animal transportation.
The seizure of the two vehicles is expected to assist investigators in establishing the logistics and network behind the alleged smuggling operation. Police will also investigate the ownership of the vehicles and identify those responsible for arranging and transporting the cattle.
The rescued cattle are likely to be dealt with in accordance with the applicable legal and administrative procedures governing the handling of animals recovered from suspected illegal transportation. The Assam government has repeatedly maintained that those involved in illegal animal transportation will face action under the law.
Monday’s operation in Abhayapuri reinforces the administration’s focus on disrupting such activities and identifying the wider network behind them. Further investigation is expected to establish the identities of all those allegedly involved and determine the circumstances leading to the deaths of the two cattle found during the operation.
–IANS
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