Guwahati: An alleged organised illegal cattle transportation network operating out of Bangalmara Bazaar in Assam’s Lakhimpur district has come under scrutiny after multiple complaints by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which accused the authorities of failing to act despite repeated complaints.
Documents accessed by Northeast Now show that at least three formal complaints were submitted between January and February 2026 to top Assam government officials, including the Director General of Police (DGP), Assam, the Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department, and the District Commissioner of Lakhimpur, alleging large-scale illegal transportation of cows from Bangalmara Bazaar to Nagaon.
The complaints alleged that cows were being transported in overcrowded trucks and pickup vehicles, mainly during night hours, without mandatory permits, veterinary health certificates, or compliance with livestock transportation laws.
According to the complaints, cattle were allegedly sourced from local markets in and around Bangalmara and moved through interior roads and highways in what PETA India described as a “systematic and organised operation.”
The complaints further alleged that the animals are tightly restrained, deprived of food and water during transit, and transported in conditions causing “significant distress and suffering.”
PETA India claimed that the alleged activities violate multiple provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, the Transport of Animals Rules, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules governing livestock transportation.
In a significant development, following PETA India’s complaint dated January 28, 2026, the Director of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department, Assam, after nearly three months, wrote to the Superintendent of Police (SP), Lakhimpur, on April 29, 2026, directing “necessary action” into the allegations.
Earlier, following another complaint submitted by PETA India on January 22, 2026, the District Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Officer of Lakhimpur had also written to the Lakhimpur SP on January 28, requesting an inquiry into the alleged illegal cattle transportation racket.
However, despite multiple communications from both PETA India and veterinary authorities, no FIR has reportedly been registered and no visible enforcement action has been initiated by the Assam Police till date.
Sources alleged that the Lakhimpur SP has been “sitting on the letters” for months without initiating any substantial investigation or crackdown.
The complaints cited violations under several provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, Transport of Animals Rules, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Motor Vehicles Act, and Rule 125E of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules governing transportation of livestock.
PETA India also referred to a 2014 Supreme Court judgment directing state authorities to strictly enforce animal cruelty laws and initiate disciplinary action against officials failing to implement them.
When contacted by Northeast Now for comments, the Lakhimpur Superintendent of Police was not available for response. An email sent to the Assam DGP seeking comments on the allegations and the reported inaction also remained unanswered till the filing of this report.
Northeast Now will update the story if and when responses are received from the police authorities.