At a time when the state government moves to amend the Assam Cattle Preservation Act 2021, a total of 126 cattle heads were rescued on Tuesday by the Assam Police in the Darrang district.
The cattle heads were recovered from closed containers of 4 goods carrying vehicles on the NH-15 at Lalpool along the northeast border of Darrang district.
According to Lalpool Police, the trucks, bearing registration nos AS01-DD-3188, AS11-BC-4053, AS01-KC-3657 and AS01-KC-3657 with containers, were moving from Lakhimpur district towards Guwahati.
The trucks were intercepted by the police team on patrolling in the wee hours on Tuesday.
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On suspicion, the closed containers were searched to find the cattle, which were being illegally carried.
The police have suspected that the cattle heads, most of which are male, were taken for slaughter.
The cattle traders failed to produce any legal documents of purchasing before the police.
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They were carrying the cattle heads on the long 260 km route in a very cruel manner without water and fodder.
Police have registered a case in this connection.
A total of 8 persons including the traders and drivers were arrested.
They were remanded to judicial custody by the court.