Illegal Pig Transport: Assam Govt Suspends Two Vets, Blocks Farmers’ Rail Protest

In a swift disciplinary move, the Assam Government has suspended two veterinary officers for dereliction of duty in connection with the illegal transportation of pigs by train, in violation of the newly issued Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for livestock movement in the state.

The action follows an incident earlier this morning when a consignment of live pigs, reportedly transported in violation of the June 27 SOP, was offloaded from the Vivek Express train at Gossaigaon. The procedure was carried out under the supervision of Dr. Gautam Mazumdar, Veterinary Officer at the Srirampur RP Check Post.

According to a communication (No. E-425172/95 dated 05/07/2025) from the Director of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, Assam, both Dr. Mazumdar and Dr. Tarani Kanta Kalita, Sub-Divisional Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Officer of Gossaigaon, failed to ensure proper enforcement and monitoring of the SOP despite prior instructions. Reports submitted by the officers showed clear deviations from the government-notified biosecurity guidelines intended to regulate the transport of live pigs to and through Assam.

Treating this as gross negligence, the Governor of Assam has placed both officers under suspension under Rule 6(1) of the Assam Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1964, pending a departmental inquiry. They are barred from private practice or any alternate employment during their suspension and are required to remain stationed at their respective headquarters unless permitted otherwise by the competent authority. They will receive 50% of their basic pay as subsistence allowance, subject to standard compliance under FR 53(i)(ii)(a)(i).

Protest Blocked by Police

In response to the ongoing influx of pigs from outside the state, the Pig Farmers’ Association of Assam had announced a Rail Blockade Programme at Gossaigaon to protest the continued violation of government policy. The association argues that illegal livestock transport undermines local pig farmers, poses serious animal health risks, and directly violates the SOP issued on June 27.

However, the planned protest was prevented by Assam Police, who reportedly denied permission for the blockade citing law and order concerns. The association was forced to cancel the blockade under police pressure, though it warned of future agitation if the illegal transport continues unchecked.

Also Read: Assam Issues Strict SOP to Curb ASF Spread via Pig Transport