Over 35,000 arrested as Uttar Pradesh intensifies crackdown on cattle smuggling and illegal slaughter

The Uttar Pradesh Government has intensified its crackdown on cattle smugglers and illegal animal slaughter, leading to the arrest of more than 35,000 accused across the state. Authorities said that strict legal action has been taken in thousands of cases following the amendment of the cow slaughter law in 2020 to strengthen enforcement.

According to official data, since the introduction of the Uttar Pradesh Prevention of Cow Slaughter (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 in June 2020, a total of 14,182 cases related to cow slaughter have been registered in Uttar Pradesh. During this period, 35,924 accused persons have been arrested in connection with these offences.

Authorities have also invoked stringent legal provisions against those arrested. Of the total accused, 13,793 have been booked under the Goonda Act, while 178 individuals have been charged under the National Security Act. Additionally, action under the Gangster Act has been initiated in 14,305 cases to dismantle organized criminal networks involved in illegal slaughter and cattle smuggling.

The government has also targeted the financial networks of the accused. Under Section 14(1) of the Gangster Act, properties worth approximately ₹83.32 crore have been seized. The move aims to weaken the financial strength of criminal groups by confiscating assets acquired through illegal activities.

Authorities said special police teams have been formed to curb cattle smuggling and illegal slaughter. Through intelligence surveillance, district-level task forces, and increased monitoring in border areas, law enforcement agencies have dismantled several networks involved in such activities, while intensified patrolling and monitoring of animal transportation continue across sensitive districts.