Morigaon (Assam), 14 May (HS): In a shocking incident exposing the cruel face of illegal cattle smuggling, police rescued 28 helpless cattle crammed inside an oil tanker during a late-night operation in Assam’s Morigaon district. Three alleged smugglers were arrested in connection with the case.

According to police sources, the operation was launched on the basis of secret information in the Jagiroad Police Station area along National Highway-27. During the search, police intercepted an oil tanker bearing registration number AS-05C-1034 and discovered the cattle hidden inside the tanker under extremely inhuman conditions.

The animals were allegedly being smuggled to Meghalaya after being packed tightly inside the tanker in a dangerous and suffocating manner. The sight left both police personnel and local residents stunned.

Police arrested three accused on the spot. The arrested smugglers have been identified as Mohammad Shariful Ali and Mohammad Alauddin from Lakhimpur district and Mohammad Mujammil Haque from Nagaon district.

A case has been registered under the relevant provisions of the Animal Act and police have begun intensive interrogation of the accused to uncover the larger network involved in the smuggling racket.

Despite strict cattle protection laws in Assam, incidents of illegal cattle transportation and smuggling continue to emerge, raising serious concerns over the safety and welfare of animals in the state.---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash