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Vendors stand with cows for sale at the many-year-old traditional cattle market at Gazole in Malda district of West Bengal on Thursday, 21 May 2026. Photo by Pankaj Ghosh.
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The city police have started compiling a database of people with a history of illegal bovine slaughter, cattle smuggling and beef trading, to dismantle criminal networks and ensure that repeat violations invite stringent action under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).Commissioner of police Pravin Pawar said, “If any of these repeat offenders are found involved in another offence of a similar nature, we will initiate action under MCOCA wherever the legal provisions are applicable.”The move follows a series of strict enforcement measures undertaken by the city police over the past few months. “Police have already invoked MCOCA in two recent cases related to illegal bovine slaughter and beef trading, signalling a shift from routine prosecution to action against organised criminal syndicates,” said ACP (crime) Ashok Rajput.According to official data, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar police have registered 206 cases of illegal cattle smuggling and unlawful bovine slaughter since 2022. During the period, police arrested 395 accused, seized 130 vehicles, rescued 2,638 bovines and confiscated more than 13,000 kg of beef.The enforcement drive has continued this year. Police have registered 48 cases, arrested 97 accused, seized 27 vehicles, rescued 268 bovines and confiscated 3,161 kg of beef in 2026.
The police believe the strategy will serve as a strong deterrent against those repeatedly engaging in illegal bovine slaughter, cattle smuggling and beef trading in the city.“We are also forwarding proposals to the regional transport authorities seeking suspension of permits of vehicles repeatedly used for illegal cattle transportation. Officials believe that targeting the logistics network used by organised syndicates will help curb recurring offences,” said crime branch inspector Gajanan Kalyankar.


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