The Gujarat government has registered 629 cases related to alleged cow smuggling and illegal beef transportation over the past two years, resulting in 1,810 arrests and the rescue of nearly 1,800 cattle, the state Legislative Assembly was informed during the Budget Session on Wednesday.
Responding during Question Hour, Minister of State for Law and Justice Kaushik Vekariya said enforcement agencies seized approximately 54,000 kilograms of beef and confiscated 433 vehicles allegedly used in such offences. Of these, 339 vehicles have been auctioned, he added.
The minister was replying on behalf of Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, who holds the Home portfolio. According to the government, authorities have adopted a “zero-tolerance” approach toward cow smuggling and illegal slaughter, including the appointment of special public prosecutors to strengthen the implementation of the state’s animal preservation laws.
Vekariya informed the House that 184 individuals were detained under preventive detention provisions, while 50 persons were externed from specified areas. Authorities also demolished 39 properties allegedly linked to accused persons, with an estimated value of around ₹6 crore.
Police operations to curb cattle smuggling have been conducted in forested regions, hilly terrain, and along highways, often under difficult conditions, the minister said.
In Amreli district, 12 cases registered over the past two years led to the conviction of 21 accused persons. Among them, three were sentenced to life imprisonment, 11 received 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment, and three were awarded seven-year prison terms. Courts also imposed fines totalling ₹43 lakh.
In Mahisagar district, eight cases were recorded during the same period. Officials seized 1,940 kilograms of beef, rescued about 10 cattle, and booked 28 accused persons. Thirteen vehicles were confiscated, and investigations remain ongoing.
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