Network of cattle smugglers challenges Jharkhand police

Breaking the network of cattle smugglers in the state is still a challenge for the Jharkhand Police though it has been armed with the law, the Jharkhand Bovine Animal Prohibition of Slaughter Act, 2005, formulated to prohibit the slaughter of cows and its progeny in Jharkhand.

This reflects the data that suggests despite arresting 1,643 cattle smugglers after the registration of as many as 871 FIR in the last 29 months (January 2020 to May 2022) morale of cattle smugglers is so high that they can travel with smuggled cattle from one state to other breaking barricades and killing police personnel without fear of getting arrested.

Though after a vehicle attack by a cattle smuggler on a 2018 batch sub inspector Sandhya Topno in the outskirt of Jharkhand capital, a special investigation team (SIT) under the leadership of Ranchi SP (city) Anshuman Kumar has been constituted and the team is in action to damage the network.

Police officials feel that until the continuation of ‘appeasement policy’ and ‘commitment of police officials to handle the case honestly’ it is difficult to damage the network.

A police official confirmed the situation saying police are helpless. 

“Smugglers have high connections and they work with a team comprising of politicians, advocates, police personnel and local criminals who help them remove hurdles coming in the transportation of smuggled cattle. In lieu of their service, they get some commission,” the police official said.

The police official added, “In case common people whose sentiment is attached with bovine animals do not keep vigil, cattle smugglers smoothly carry out their business.”

Another police official supported the observation adding how police personnel committed to taking the proper action in the matter are harassed by the network of smugglers.

“I remember that on June 13, 2016, SI Santosh Rajak in order to protect himself opened fire on truck driver Mohammed Nazim carrying a bovine animal at Topchanchi. Later he was dismissed,” the official said.

A civil court lawyer supported the observation saying due to interference of VIPs connected with smugglers’ networks, police most of the time handle the case of cattle smuggling half-heartedly resulting in the acquittal of the accused.

“Have you ever heard of a court awarding punishment to anyone under Jharkhand Bovine Animal Prohibition of Slaughter Act, 2005? No conviction and punishment help strengthen the network of cattle smugglers,” the advocate said.

A police official said cows come to Jharkhand from Odisha. In Ranchi, the vehicles carrying smuggled cattle reach Khunti. 

“Vehicle originating from Odisha first enter Kolebira in Simdega district. From Kolebira it reaches Basia, from where it reaches Khunti. The vehicle touches the ring road in Tupudana and goes to another destination,” the official said.

An activist active to stop the smuggling of bovine animals said, “Smugglers take help of locals in purchase and transport of bovine animals. In case they are caught, they file a counter case against the complainant leveling false allegations. In that situation, anyone who comes forward to stop smuggling gets terrified due to expenses coming in legal battle and smugglers take advantage of it.”