Assam Police Launches Statewide Crackdown on Illegal Beef Sale

In a massive statewide operation, police in Assam carried out coordinated raids across multiple districts on Tuesday targeting the illegal sale and possession of beef, a practice prohibited under state law. The crackdown, which unfolded in over a dozen towns and cities, led to the seizure of hundreds of kilograms of suspected beef and the detention of several individuals, including hotel owners and meat vendors.

The operation, which came in the wake of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s recent directive to intensify enforcement against banned meat sales, also saw active coordination with veterinary and municipal authorities.

Sivasagar: Suspicious Meat Seized from Prominent Hotels

In Sivasagar town, a joint operation by the district police and veterinary officials was conducted at Hotel Aminia and Pick Me Hotel, located on Khiznur Ali Road. Authorities recovered approximately 8.6 kilograms of suspected beef from Hotel Aminia and another 7 kilograms from Pick Me Hotel. The proprietors, Aminul Haque and Zahid Shabir Ahmed, were taken into custody for interrogation.

Rupahihat: Long-Term Beef Sale Busted

Police in Rupahihat raided several eateries, recovering suspected beef that had reportedly been sold over an extended period. Several hotels were sealed, and illegal slaughterhouses operating in the area were also shut down. Authorities have indicated that strict monitoring will continue to prevent further violations.

Mangaldai: Raids Spark Political Controversy

In Mangaldai, police conducted surprise inspections at four hotels in the heart of the town and seized a substantial quantity of suspected beef. Two individuals were detained. The hotel owners condemned the raids as politically motivated and demanded a halt to illegal slaughterhouses operating on the town’s outskirts.

Guwahati – Jalukbari and Katahbari: Major Seizures

In Guwahati’s Jalukbari area, police raided a stretch near the local mosque, detaining six individuals for allegedly selling beef in bulk. Authorities stated that two youths were caught red-handed, though their identities have not yet been disclosed.

Separately, in Katahbari, a police team seized around 70 kilograms of suspected beef from several hotels. A man believed to be the ringleader of the illegal trade was arrested.

Kokrajhar: Four Hotels Under Scanner

In Kokrajhar, raids were conducted at four local hotels — Amir Bhai Hotel, Muslim Hotel, Alif Hotel, and Dadaji Hotel. Nearly 10 kilograms of beef were seized and hotel owners Amir Hussain, Rizzakul Islam, Mofiz Ali, and Majnu Rahman were taken into custody. Similar operations were carried out in Joypur and Fakiragram.

Hojai: Arrest from Masjid Road

In Hojai, police raided the Ahmadia Hotel on Masjid Road and arrested Bilal Ahmed Laskar after recovering a quantity of suspected beef. Officials stated that the hotel had been illegally selling beef for several years.

Hailakandi: 22 Kg Beef Seized

A police operation in Hailakandi town, particularly near the Katlicherra Bus Stand, led to the seizure of 22 kilograms of illegal beef and the arrest of three persons. The area is believed to have been a hub for underground beef trading.

Doboka: Multiple Hotels Targeted

Doboka police launched an extensive raid across several hotels, recovering suspected beef and detaining hotel owners and staff. Investigations are ongoing.

Dibrugarh: Hotel Near Temple Under Scrutiny

In Dibrugarh, a raid was conducted at Shama Hotel, located near Kalibari’s Kali Temple. The hotel had allegedly been selling beef in the open for several years. The proximity to a religious site has further intensified local reactions.

Chirang: Raids on Highway Hotels

Police in Kajalgaon, Chirang, conducted raids along National Highway 27, focusing on Muslim-owned establishments. Beef was recovered from multiple premises and four people were arrested. Local residents called for shutting down illegal cattle slaughtering units to curb the supply chain.

Chhaygaon: Cooked and Stored Meat Seized

In Chhaygaon, three individuals — Rahul Ali, Amanullah Ali, and Jesmin Begum — were arrested after cooked and refrigerated beef was recovered from Mofida Hotel, Akhtara Hotel, and Chan Hotel, respectively. The seized items were taken for veterinary testing.

Chapar: 20 Kg Seized, Five Arrested

Raids in Dhubri's Chapar led to the seizure of approximately 20 kilograms of beef from multiple hotels and the arrest of five individuals. The police are continuing their investigation.

Lakhimpur: Raids in Laluk and Bongalmora

Lakhimpur police conducted raids in Laluk and Bongalmora, recovering 22 kg of meat from Hotel Ilahi and 4.5 kg of dried meat from Hotel Munim. Three hotel owners — Moslem Uddin, Mobarak Ali, and Nurul Amin — were arrested.

Mounting Tensions, Police Defend Action

The series of raids have sparked mixed reactions, with some community leaders and civil society organizations questioning the timing, targeting, and transparency of the operations. However, Assam Police has defended the crackdown, stating that the actions are based on existing laws under the Assam Cattle Preservation Act and are not aimed at any particular community.

Veterinary tests are underway to confirm whether the seized meat is indeed beef, and legal proceedings will follow based on the test results.

Senior police officials have reiterated that enforcement drives will continue across the state and warned hoteliers and meat vendors against violating food safety and animal slaughter regulations.

Also Read: Beef Crackdown in South Kamrup: Hotels Raided, Meat Seized