Bengal BJP govt orders police crackdown on cow smuggling from Day 1
Synopsis
On its very first working day, West Bengal's new BJP government moved swiftly on a signature poll promise — ordering police to crack down on cow smuggling statewide. Three trucks carrying 16 cows were already seized in Malda, signalling that the directive is being actioned on the ground.
Key Takeaways
BJP government in West Bengal issued cow smuggling crackdown orders on its first working day in office.
District police across the state received strict directives to prevent cow smuggling and shut down illegal cattle markets.
Three trucks allegedly carrying cows for smuggling were seized in Malda district on National Highway No.
12 near Gajol Kadubari .
The trucks carried a combined total of 16 cows — 8, 5, and 3 respectively.
Trinamool Congress leader Anubrata Mondal and his daughter were previously arrested in a cow smuggling case by the CBI and Enforcement Directorate in 2022 ; both have since received bail.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal has directed state police to intensify surveillance on cow smuggling, issuing strict orders to district police on its very first working day in office, according to a state government official. The directive signals an early and deliberate move to act on one of the party's most prominent pre-election pledges.
Key Directives Issued
The new administration has sent a clear message to administrative circles that cow smuggling must be stopped at any cost. Illegal cow markets have been specifically flagged, with additional surveillance ordered to ensure no unlicensed trading operations are permitted to function. The state police's top brass subsequently relayed these instructions to district-level police forces across the state.
Three Trucks Seized in Malda
In what appears to be an early enforcement action, three trucks allegedly carrying cows for smuggling were seized in Malda district, at the bus stand on National Highway No. 12 near Gajol Kadubari. Villagers spotted the vehicles and intercepted them before police and central forces arrived at the scene.
Local resident Mintu Saha told media persons,
Point of View
And the new government is clearly using Day 1 optics to draw a contrast. The real test, however, lies in sustained enforcement — West Bengal's porous borders with Bangladesh and the entrenched networks behind cattle trade have historically made this a difficult problem to police. Whether the Malda seizure marks the beginning of a structural crackdown or remains a symbolic gesture will become clear in the weeks ahead.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What action has the Bengal BJP government taken on cow smuggling?
The BJP government in West Bengal ordered police to intensify surveillance on cow smuggling on its first working day in office. District police have been directed to prevent illegal cattle transport and shut down unlicensed cow markets.
What happened in Malda regarding cow smuggling?
Three trucks allegedly transporting cows for smuggling were seized at the bus stand on National Highway No. 12 near Gajol Kadubari in Malda district. The trucks collectively carried 16 cows; villagers intercepted the vehicles before police and central forces arrived.
Who is Anubrata Mondal and what is his connection to cow smuggling?
Anubrata Mondal is a Trinamool Congress leader whose name was linked to a cow smuggling case. The Central Bureau of Investigation arrested him in 2022, and his daughter was subsequently arrested by the Enforcement Directorate. Both were lodged in Tihar Jail before receiving bail.
What had BJP promised before coming to power in West Bengal?
Before winning the election, the BJP had promised to stop cow smuggling in the state and form a dedicated squad to conduct surveillance on cattle smuggling operations.
Why is cow smuggling a significant issue in West Bengal?
Cow smuggling has been a long-standing law enforcement and political issue in West Bengal, particularly given the state's borders. The case involving TMC leader Anubrata Mondal brought national attention to the scale of the alleged racket and the involvement of influential political figures.
