Guwahati: A day after Northeast Now exposed allegations of an organised cattle smuggling network operating in North Assam, Lakhimpur-based animal rights activist Ujjal Bhuyan alleged that the racket has been flourishing “under the nose of the police” across the region.
Bhuyan claimed that 20 to 25 trucks carrying cattle and other animals illegally pass through NH-15 every night without any interference from the police or district administration.
According to him, cattle are transported from Lakhimpur, Dhemaji and Biswanath districts through Numaligarh and Nagaon before being routed to Karimganj and eventually smuggled into Bangladesh. He alleged that despite repeated complaints, the police — particularly in Lakhimpur — have failed to crack down on the network.
The allegations come a day after police seized 72 cattle and buffaloes in two separate operations in Lakhimpur district following Northeast Now’s report on the alleged illegal cattle transportation network.
Bhuyan further alleged that several cattle markets operating in North Assam are functioning illegally without mandatory registration or permission from the Zila Parishad authorities.
The markets named by him include Simen Chapori and Gogamukh cattle markets in Dhemaji district; Boginadi, Daulahat, Bangalmora and Dhalpur cattle markets in Lakhimpur district; and Gohpur cattle market in Biswanath district.
“All these markets fall under the jurisdiction of the Zila Parishad, yet many are operating without valid registration. We fail to understand why the district administration is allowing this illegality to continue,” Bhuyan told Northeast Now.
He also questioned the role of the police, alleging that officers routinely ignore trucks transporting cattle every night.
“The police turn a blind eye to these vehicles. Why they are never stopped remains a mystery,” he said.
Bhuyan alleged that although police occasionally seize cattle-laden vehicles, the animals are often handed back to transporters within days instead of being sent to gaushalas or shelters as mandated under law.
He cited a recent case in which Lakhimpur police allegedly seized a pickup vehicle carrying cattle illegally but returned both the vehicle and the animals to the transporter within 48 hours.
He further alleged that police action is largely limited to arresting drivers and handymen while the larger smuggling syndicates and masterminds remain untouched.
Bhuyan also demanded accountability regarding the fate of cattle seized in previous police operations in Lakhimpur district.
“We want a neutral investigation into the alleged misconduct of police and district administration officials linked to cattle smuggling. The role of Lakhimpur police is highly suspicious. We appeal to the Assam Chief Minister to order a thorough probe,” he said.
The activist additionally named certain individuals whom he accused of involvement in the network. He alleged that cattle are transported by boat through the Subansiri and Brahmaputra rivers to markets in central Assam before being moved in container trucks towards Karimganj and the Bangladesh border.
He claimed that Nagaon district serves as a major transit hub for the smuggling network.
Bhuyan also made serious allegations of tampering with CCTV surveillance systems at certain police stations and outposts, claiming that some cameras were either non-functional, muted, or deliberately turned away from key locations.
Lakhimpur Superintendent of Police (SP) Gunendra Deka was not available for comment despite repeated attempts to contact him.