SHILLONG, Jan 3: The Border Security Force (BSF) has informed that there is a steep incline in smuggling attempts after revocation of lockdown in Meghalaya. It asserted that smugglers are continuing their daring bids to cross over cattle to Bangladesh so as to compensate the pecuniary losses incurred during the lockdown.
In a statement, the BSF said that 60 cattle heads worth over Rs 21 lakh have been confiscated in different areas along international border with Bangladesh by BSF troops of Meghalaya Frontier during the intervening night of Jan 2 and 3. In one of the incidents, an Indian national was apprehended at Sonapur Bridge near Umkiang with a truck carrying cattle inhumanely and sans any valid documents. However, his accomplice managed to escape.
The BSF pointed out that cattle smugglers generally keep the animals hidden from authorities inside dense forests and when opportunity comes, they attempt to cross them over into Bangladesh taking advantage of vulnerable patches through unfenced border.
It added that the force has intensified its vigil and operations are under way to thwart such activities.
