In a major enforcement drive across Assam, the state police on Tuesday detained 133 individuals for allegedly breaching provisions of the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021. The crackdown, which involved raids at eateries and establishments statewide, also led to the seizure of over one tonne of suspected beef, as part of efforts to curb unauthorised cattle slaughter and sale.
The operation, launched suo motu by the police, was aimed at curbing illegal cattle slaughter and the unauthorised sale of beef in hotels and restaurants. According to Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Akhilesh Kumar Singh, the action focused on enforcing provisions of the law that prohibit the slaughter and sale of beef in areas predominantly inhabited by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs, as well as within a five-kilometre radius of temples, satras and namghars.
“We have apprehended 133 people so far and seized over one tonne of suspected beef during the raids. The operation is ongoing, and the final figures will be available later. The drive will continue in the coming days,” Singh told reporters.
As part of the operation, police teams conducted raids at 112 hotels and restaurants across the state, registering several cases and detaining scores of individuals for further investigation.
Though beef consumption is not illegal in Assam, the Assam Cattle Preservation Act imposes strict regulations on its slaughter and sale, with the intent of respecting religious sensitivities and promoting communal harmony.
The intensified enforcement has stirred public debate over the law’s impact on local communities and businesses. However, officials have underlined that the initiative is rooted in lawful compliance and not targeted at any particular group.
Authorities assured that the ongoing drive is being conducted with an emphasis on maintaining communal peace and public order, even as more such operations are expected in the coming days.
This move comes amid heightened scrutiny of cattle-related regulations in several Indian states, as governments seek to balance law enforcement with the diverse cultural and dietary practices of their populations.
