Assam: 14 camels brought from Rajasthan, 11 go missing in alleged interstate ‘camel syndicate’

An alleged interstate camel trafficking network has come to light in Assam’s Juria area of Nagaon district, with serious allegations surrounding the disappearance of 11 camels brought from Rajasthan earlier this year for rearing.

According to the allegations, 14 camels were brought from Rajasthan in 2026 purportedly for rearing. Of these, one has died, while two others have been rescued from Mayong/Moirabari and Juria areas.

However, the whereabouts of the remaining 11 camels are yet to be ascertained, raising questions over their alleged illegal transfer or sale.

A Dhubri-based individual, Javed Ali, has been accused of being the alleged mastermind behind the network. The allegations claim that camels placed under court custody were subsequently sold for lakhs of rupees in different districts of Assam.

The allegations have raised concerns over the handling and monitoring of animals that were brought into the state and subsequently placed under legal custody.

The two rescued camels have meanwhile been taken into the custody of the District Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA).

The organisation has demanded that the remaining 11 camels be traced and rescued at the earliest. It has also sought action against Javed Ali and others allegedly involved in the network.

The allegations have also raised questions about how the camels went missing despite being under legal and administrative scrutiny.

However, the allegations of an interstate camel syndicate, including claims of illegal sale and the alleged involvement of specific individuals, are yet to be independently established. The role of the police and other authorities, if any, would also need to be established through an investigation.