SHILLONG, July 23: Troops of 22nd Battalion BSF and Meghalaya Police personnel foiled a bid to smuggle cattle through the Bangladesh border, apprehending 7 persons and rescuing cattle of which 43 were alive and 2 dead.
The cattle, kept in inhumane and unhygienic conditions, were crammed in five pick-up trucks.
Acting on tip-off, the BSF launched a joint operation with the local police and intercepted the trucks. Seven Indian nationals involved in the illegal act were apprehended. During the apprehension, one of them fell down and sustained minor injuries. He was promptly evacuated and sent to the nearest hospital, accompanied by a BSF representative.
Meanwhile, three walkie-talkie sets were recovered from the apprehended individuals, indicating their coordinated efforts and links with an organised smuggling network.
The accused were using these wireless devices to communicate and coordinate the movement of vehicles — a common tactic employed by cross-border smugglers. The vehicles arrived in phases — initially two, followed by others — highlighting a well-planned smuggling strategy.
During initial questioning, the apprehended individuals failed to produce any valid documents regarding the ownership or commercial transport of the cattle. Additionally, there was no presence of any recognised Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in the area.
All seized items and the individuals were handed over to the concerned police authorities for further action.
