Guwahati, August 31, 2026 — Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday announced a significant breakthrough against cattle smuggling in the state, revealing that Assam Police had rescued 298 cows, seized 22 vehicles, and arrested 33 people in a coordinated operation conducted simultaneously at three different locations.
In a strongly worded post on X, the Chief Minister issued a clear warning to those involved in the illegal trade. “Listen up, smugglers — there is no place for cattle smuggling on Assam’s land,” he wrote. He praised the Assam Police for the decisive action, stating that the operation had sent a firm message that cattle smuggling would no longer be tolerated under any circumstances.
“Protection of cows is Assam’s resolve,” Sarma added, underscoring the state government’s continued commitment to safeguarding cattle.
Photographs shared by the Chief Minister along with the post show cattle tightly packed inside a transport vehicle under dim lighting, as well as several seized trucks. Among the confiscated vehicles were multiple Bolero-type trucks, many of them elaborately painted with colourful designs, religious symbols, and national flags — a common sight among vehicles used for illegal livestock transportation in the region.
The operation is the latest in a series of sustained actions by Assam Police against cattle smuggling networks. Over the past several months, the state government has intensified its zero-tolerance approach, with multiple districts reporting regular interceptions of vehicles carrying cattle without proper documents, often in inhumane conditions. Officials have repeatedly linked these activities to organised networks operating across state borders and, in some cases, involving cross-border elements.
Chief Minister Sarma has been particularly vocal on the issue, frequently sharing updates of police action on social media and reiterating that the illegal trade of cattle will be eradicated from its roots. Previous operations in districts such as Kamrup, Goalpara, Dhubri, Biswanath, and others have also resulted in the rescue of hundreds of animals and the arrest of dozens of accused persons.
Police sources indicated that the latest simultaneous raids at three locations were based on specific intelligence inputs. All the rescued cattle have been taken into safe custody, while the arrested individuals are expected to face legal proceedings under relevant laws governing cattle transportation and smuggling.
The Assam government maintains that protecting cattle is not only a cultural and religious priority but also essential for supporting the livelihoods of farmers and dairy producers across the state. With this latest success, authorities have signalled that the crackdown will continue with the same intensity in the coming days.
