Truck carrying 22 cattle seized

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

SIVASAGAR, Nov 22: Members of Sivasagar district committee of Parivesh Suraksha Samity (PSS) caught one truck transporting at least 22 cattle in Sivasagar on Friday night and handed over the truck to Sivasagar Sadar Police station. But the vehicle with the registration number AS-02/AC-1113 was released mysteriously.

When contacted over telephone Sivasagar Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge P Baruah told The Sentinel that after being informed about the interception of a truck bearing registration number AS-02/AC-1113 carrying cows, they seized the truck with the cattle. But after verification of documents, they found that the cattle had been bought from Desangmukh Bazar, and so released the truck with the cattle after imposing a fine of Rs. 500.

Meanwhile, Parivesh Suraksha Samity has expressed sharp reaction against the act of Sivasagar police. They asked on what basis police released the truck, whereas a vehicle carrying cattle without a veteririan certificate and cattle permit should be impounded.

The NGO also expressed suspicion of an illegal transportation of cattle in Sivasagar particularly from Desangmukh area and so demanded strict implementation of Transportation of Animals Rules, and the Motor Vehicles Act.

“Under the Motor Vehicles Act, the police have two options: One, to seize the vehicle and not return it till the case is solved, or two, the court can impose a heavy fine on the vehicle and return it under the condition that it should not be used for illegal transport of cattle in future,” said the NGO.

On the other hand, sources said that the cattle market which is held at Desangmukh particularly for farmers, was being misused for illegal activities. Sources also claimed that cattle were transported frequently from Desangmukh to neighbouring country Bangladesh. “With the festive season of Christmas approaching, the demand for cattle meat is on the rise and cows are also transported even to galand from this region,” said the source.