DHUBRI, May 16: In a significant crackdown on illegal cattle smuggling, the Golakganj police successfully intercepted a luxury vehicle and rescued seven cows in the wee hours of Friday. The operation, led by Golakganj police station in-charge Debajit Kalita, took place on National Highway 17 in the Biratnagar Chariali area in Dhubri.
Acting on intelligence, a police team was strategically positioned on the highway and their vigilance paid off when they spotted a speeding HONDA AMAZE vehicle bearing registration number AS 03H 7675, originating from West Bengal and heading towards Gauripur.
Despite repeated signals to halt, the driver of the vehicle attempted to evade the authorities, leading to a high-speed chase. The police team, however, persisted and managed to intercept the car in North Raipur. Capitalizing on the darkness, the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene.
Upon searching the car, the police discovered seven cows crammed inside. This successful operation highlights the persistent efforts of smugglers to circumvent law enforcement. Golakganj police immediately began a search operation and in the evening on Friday, arrested Jahan Uddin Sheikh, a well-known cattle smuggler.
He allegedly used a specific number plate on multiple four-wheelers to transport cows illegally. He reportedly acquired second-hand vehicles from West Bengal for this purpose. A vehicle with the same number plate, carrying cattle, was seized a few days prior by Bikas Mahanta, the officer-in-charge of Paglahat police station under Tamarhat police station.
The arrested individual Jahan Uddin Sheikh, son of Alimuddin Sheikh, originally held from Kaldoba Part-III under Agomoni police station but currently residing in Gaurangbazar, North Raipur Part-l of Golakganj.
The Golakganj police have registered a case against him under several sections of the law, Section including Cattle Preservation (ACP) Act, and Read with Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act.
It is noteworthy that the smugglers continue to devise new and audacious methods to transport cattle illegally, ranging from concealing them under sacks of potatoes and cartons to utilizing luxury vehicles, boats, and even banana tree coverings.
This latest bust underscores the ongoing challenge faced by the police in curbing cattle smuggling despite heightened security measures. Investigations are currently underway to further dismantle the smuggling network.