Guwahati, Sep 22 (IANS): Assam Police have arrested four Bangladeshi nationals in Sribhumi district, along with an Indian citizen in connection with suspected cross-border cattle smuggling operation, officials said on Tuesday.
The five were detained during late-night operation conducted in the Badarpur area on Monday, as police investigated the alleged illegal transportation of cattle and buffaloes into Bangladesh.
According to police, the four Bangladeshi nationals were intercepted at Mahakal village in Badarpur. They have been identified as Rezaul Karim, Sabbir Ahmed, Rachel Ahmed and Hasan Ahmed Tahim, all reportedly residents of Zakiganj in Bangladesh’s Sylhet district. An Indian national, identified as Fazal Uddin of Jagadishpur village in Cachar district’s Katigorah area, was also detained.
Police suspect that Fazal Uddin may have been acting as a middleman in the alleged transportation of cattle and buffaloes.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the four Bangladeshi nationals may have entered India through Tukurgram area along the international border and were allegedly preparing to facilitate the movement of cattle and buffaloes towards Bangladesh. The detention has prompted authorities to investigate the alleged route used to cross the international border and establish whether the suspects were connected to a larger network involved in cattle smuggling.
Police are questioning the detained individuals to ascertain how they allegedly entered Indian territory, who may have facilitated their movement and the intended route for transporting the cattle and buffaloes. Investigators are also examining the possible role of other individuals in the suspected cross-border operation.
The development comes as security agencies in Assam continue to maintain surveillance along the state’s international border with Bangladesh, particularly in areas vulnerable to unauthorised movement and smuggling. Officials said the investigation is ongoing and further action will be taken based on findings.
Police are expected to establish the exact circumstances of the alleged border crossing and the suspected cattle transportation before determining further legal action against those detained. Further details regarding the case, including the legal provisions and whether any cattle or buffaloes were recovered during the operation, are awaited.
