Guwahati, Feb 25: Bilasipara Police successfully dismantled a significant illegal cattle smuggling attempt along the Assam–West Bengal corridor on Monday, February 24, resulting in the seizure of six cattle and the apprehension of three suspects. Acting on precise intelligence, law enforcement launched a targeted operation along National Highway 17 to intercept a vehicle suspected of transporting illicit cargo. During the high-stakes drive, officers stopped a Scorpio with registration number AS 01 AU 7975, uncovering the animals hidden inside and confirming the ongoing use of the highway as a primary trafficking artery.
The three individuals taken into custody have been identified as Sanowar Hussain, Anowar Hussain, and Bahar Ali, all of whom are residents of Kathaldi village. Preliminary investigations suggest that the livestock originated in West Bengal and were being moved toward the riverine “char” areas of Bilasipara. These geographically complex regions are frequently exploited by trafficking syndicates as temporary shelters and transit hubs, providing cover for the movement of contraband across state and international boundaries.
This latest crackdown underscores the increasingly adaptive and sophisticated tactics employed by organized crime networks operating in lower Assam. Authorities noted that these syndicates regularly shift their routes and logistics to bypass police checkpoints, highlighting a persistent challenge for regional security. The three arrested suspects are currently undergoing intense interrogation as investigators work to map out the broader hierarchy of the smuggling ring and identify additional collaborators.
While the immediate operation was a success, the investigation remains active as police search for two alleged kingpins of the racket, identified as Hazrat and Joynal, who managed to evade capture. A widespread manhunt is currently underway to track down the absconding leaders, with officials indicating that further raids are imminent across suspected hideouts in the region to fully neutralize the trafficking network.
