In one of the largest crackdowns under the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, a total of 196 individuals have been apprehended following coordinated raids across 178 hotels, restaurants, and slaughterhouses in the state, Assam Police confirmed on Wednesday.
196 Arrested on alleged Violations of Assam Cattle Preservation Act
The operations, which were primarily conducted on Tuesday, led to the seizure of 1,732 kilograms of suspected beef from various establishments. The drive, launched by Assam Police in response to recent concerns over unlawful cattle slaughter and beef sale, is still ongoing.
Inspector General of Police (Law and Order), Akhilesh Kumar Singh, informed that while Tuesday yielded significant results, the situation was relatively quiet on Wednesday. “This is a statewide drive. Not much recovery today. The data is primarily from Tuesday, though the operation continues,” Singh said.
Enforcement of the 2021 Act
The Assam Cattle Preservation Act, passed in 2021, prohibits the slaughter, sale, and consumption of beef in areas that have a predominant non-Muslim population. It also restricts such activities within a five-kilometre radius of any Hindu temple or Vaishnavite monastery (sattra), with the stated aim of preserving communal harmony and respecting local sentiments.
The law has been under increased scrutiny in recent weeks following heightened communal tensions, particularly during and after Eid-ul-Zuha. In Dhubri district, tensions escalated after severed cattle heads and other body parts were reportedly found in public areas following the festival, prompting the state government to initiate stricter enforcement.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, speaking earlier on June 20, had reiterated his government’s commitment to enforcing the Act stringently. “We will ensure strict compliance with the Assam Cattle Preservation Act. The law must be respected by all, especially in light of incidents that can potentially disturb communal peace,” Sarma stated.
He further added that all deputy commissioners and district police heads have been instructed to monitor and prevent any instances of cattle slaughter, sale, or beef consumption within restricted zones.
High-Risk Zones and Cultural Tensions
Most of the violations were reported in regions where beef consumption is customary, particularly during Eid. However, many of these areas also fall within the five-kilometre prohibited radius of temples or Vaishnavite monasteries, thereby making them violative of the law.
“This is a sensitive period. People must be aware of the legal and cultural boundaries that exist under the law,” a senior police official said, on condition of anonymity. “Our goal is to prevent communal flare-ups and ensure the law is uniformly applied.”
Multiple hotels and roadside eateries in urban areas such as Guwahati, Dhubri, Barpeta, and Goalpara were among those searched. According to police sources, several of the arrested individuals were employees or owners of these establishments, while others were found transporting beef for commercial purposes.
Political Undercurrents
The intensified crackdown also comes at a time when the opposition Congress has been staging protests across Assam, alleging irregularities in two government-backed schemes focused on dairy and livestock development.
The Congress has raised questions over the distribution of Gir cows—a prized indigenous breed—to individuals allegedly linked to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and affiliated organizations. Critics argue that while the government pushes for strict enforcement of cow protection laws, it has not ensured transparency and fairness in the execution of livestock distribution schemes.
“This government is quick to crack down on ordinary people under the cattle law, but where is the same urgency in addressing corruption in cattle-related schemes?” said Debabrata Saikia, Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly.
In response, state BJP leaders dismissed the allegations as “politically motivated distractions,” aimed at diverting attention from the government’s firm stance on law and order. “The opposition is free to question us, but the law is the law. Violators will face the consequences, regardless of political timing,” said a senior BJP spokesperson.
Community Reactions and Civil Liberties Concerns
The raids and subsequent arrests have triggered mixed reactions from various communities and rights organizations. While some hailed the move as a necessary step to ensure respect for religious sentiments and communal coexistence, others warned of the potential misuse of the law to target specific communities.
Several civil rights activists have raised concerns about arbitrary arrests and lack of procedural safeguards. “The law, as it stands, allows room for selective interpretation. We must ensure that enforcement does not become a tool of harassment,” said Guwahati-based legal activist Anupam Borah.
Muslim community leaders, meanwhile, urged the state administration to maintain sensitivity and avoid stoking communal tensions. “We understand the legal boundaries, but law enforcement must act with fairness. We appeal to our community to cooperate fully with the authorities and avoid actions that could be misinterpreted,” said Abdul Karim, a member of a prominent religious organization in Lower Assam.
The Road Ahead
As the beef crackdown continues, Assam Police have signaled that more arrests may follow. Investigations are also underway to determine the source of the seized beef and whether organized networks are involved in illegal cattle trade and slaughter.
Officials stated that digital surveillance and intelligence networks have been activated to track supply chains, particularly in districts bordering West Bengal and Meghalaya, where cross-border cattle smuggling has previously been reported.
The Assam government has also reiterated its long-term commitment to protecting indigenous cattle breeds, encouraging dairy farming, and promoting plant-based food alternatives as part of a larger cultural and economic shift.
“This is not just about law enforcement; it’s about shaping a cultural ethos,” Chief Minister Sarma said in an earlier address. “Preserving our traditions while respecting the rights of all communities is the path forward for a peaceful and progressive Assam.”
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