Assam police seize cattle in Brahmaputra river raid amid Dhubri slaughter ban

A river patrol team of the Assam Police seized four cattle heads during a boat operation in the Kuntir Char area of Dhubri district as part of an intensified crackdown on illegal cattle transportation along the Brahmaputra.

The operation was led by Pritam Das, officer-in-charge of Dhubri Sadar Police Station, following inputs about cattle being moved through riverine routes to avoid highway checkpoints. Police said smugglers frequently use isolated char areas along the Brahmaputra to transport animals undetected.

Officials launched a targeted raid using boats and intercepted the consignment during the operation. No arrests have been made so far, though an investigation has been initiated to identify those involved and trace the source of the cattle and the ownership of the boat used in the transport.

The seizure comes shortly after a joint meeting between the Dhubri district administration, the District Markaz Committee and the local Eidgah Committee. Following the meeting, the religious bodies issued a voluntary public announcement banning the slaughter of cows and buffaloes within Dhubri town limits.

Police officials said surveillance and patrolling across vulnerable char areas of the Brahmaputra would be stepped up further in the coming days as efforts continue to dismantle networks involved in illegal cattle movement through river routes.