Dhubri (Assam), 05 February (HS): Dhubri Police on Thursday foiled an attempted cattle smuggling operation on National Highway 17 in Golakganj, rescuing 12 cows concealed beneath fruit cartons and arresting two alleged traffickers as part of a targeted crackdown on cross-border illegal trade.

Acting on a specific tip-off, a police team led by Golakganj Officer-in-Charge Nabajoti Roy set up a checkpoint at the Biratnagar intersection and intercepted an Ashok Leyland ‘Bada Dost’ goods vehicle travelling from West Bengal towards Gauripur. Though the vehicle appeared to be transporting fruits, a thorough inspection revealed that 12 cows were crammed inside the cargo section and hidden under layers of fruit cartons.

Two persons were arrested on the spot and identified as Saidul Islam, a resident under Kalgachia police station in Barpeta district and Mannan Ali of Topeshwari. During the search, police also recovered a suspicious number plate bearing registration number ML 04D 9692 from inside the vehicle, indicating an attempt to disguise the vehicle’s identity during interstate movement.

Preliminary investigation suggests that the cattle were being smuggled from West Bengal through inland routes, with Bangladesh believed to be the intended final destination. Police officials said National Highway 17 has remained a sensitive corridor for such illegal activities, prompting heightened surveillance and regular enforcement drives.

The rescued cattle and the seized vehicle have been taken into police custody. A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Assam Cattle Preservation Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and further investigation is underway to ascertain the involvement of a larger smuggling network.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash