629 cow smuggling cases registered in Gujarat in two years

Gujarat registered 629 cases of alleged cow smuggling and illegal beef transportation over the past two years. This resulted in 1,810 arrests and the rescue of 1,800 cows, the State Government informed the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday (February 25, 2026).

Replying during Question Hour of the Budget Session, Minister of State for Law and Justice Kaushik Vekariya said 54,000 kg of beef was seized across the state during the period. Authorities also confiscated 433 vehicles allegedly used in such offences, of which 339 have been auctioned.

The Minister said 184 people were detained under the Prevention of Anti-Social Activities (PASA) Act as a preventive measure, while 50 were externed. Additionally, 39 properties linked to the accused, collectively valued at around ₹6 crore, were demolished.

Mr. Vekariya was responding on behalf of Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, who holds the Home portfolio. He said the state has adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards cow smuggling and illegal slaughter and appointed special public prosecutors to ensure effective implementation of the Gujarat Animal Preservation (Amendment) Act, 2017.

21 convictions

In Amreli district, 12 cases were registered over the last two years, leading to the conviction of 21 accused. Of these, three were sentenced to life imprisonment, 11 to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment, and three to seven years in jail. Fines totalling ₹43 lakh were recovered from those convicted.

The Minister said police personnel were carrying out operations in remote forested areas, in hilly terrain, and along highways in challenging weather conditions to curb cattle smuggling.

In Mahisagar district, eight cases were registered during the same period. Officials seized 1,940 kg of beef, rescued around 10 cows, and booked 28 accused. Thirteen vehicles were confiscated and investigations are ongoing.

Speaker Shankar Chaudhary recalled that the House had earlier enacted a law providing for a complete ban on cow slaughter in the state and noted that members across party lines have supported measures for cow protection.