In a joint operation, vigilant troops of the 22nd Battalion Border Security Force (BSF) Meghalaya, along with the Meghalaya Police, foiled a well-coordinated cattle smuggling attempt along the international border. The crackdown led to the rescue of 76 cattle—43 alive and 33 dead—being transported in horrifyingly unhygienic and inhumane conditions.
Acting on specific intelligence, BSF personnel observed suspicious vehicular movements during routine patrolling and immediately launched the operation. Five pickup trucks were intercepted during the raid, revealing the grim cargo. Seven Indian nationals were apprehended at the scene. One of the accused, reportedly gripped by fear during the operation, fell and sustained minor injuries. He was immediately taken to the nearest hospital by BSF personnel.
In a startling discovery, three walkie-talkie sets were recovered from the suspects, signaling a sophisticated and organized smuggling network. Authorities believe the accused were using the wireless devices to communicate and time the arrival of the vehicles in phases—two at first, followed by others—a clear indication of a well-planned strategy by cross-border syndicates.
During preliminary interrogation, the accused failed to present any valid documentation for the transport or ownership of the cattle. No representative from any Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) was present at the site either, further pointing to the illegal nature of the operation.
All apprehended individuals, vehicles, and recovered items have been handed over to local police for further investigation and legal proceedings.
“This operation once again reaffirms BSF Meghalaya’s firm commitment to securing the nation’s borders and curbing all forms of trans-border crimes. The BSF remains ever-vigilant in its mission to protect the integrity and safety of the country,” stated a release from the PRO, BSF Meghalaya.
