Shillong, June 13: The troops of BSF again showing their extra vigil on the international border against cattle smuggling at Gopinathkilla, South West Garo Hills Distt, on a tip off seized 36 nos of cattle and similarly 10 more cattle from other parts of Meghalaya border i.e. Lyngahat and Balughat adding to total of 46 nos amounting total Approximate value over Rs. 4 lacs.
The special Ambush party of BSF laid a trap while some smugglers alongwith cattle were proceeding towards Bangladesh for smuggling. On receiving the info the BSF party rushed towards the point but smugglers managed to escape, however, BSF party seized huge number of cattle.
It is learnt that these cattle were purchased from Ampati Haat by three suspected smugglers namely Nandan Kaji, Nudu Miya and Reyazul Kaji all from Mahenderganj and kept at village Gujangpara. Further they brought these cattle through Hill road in a truck towards Gopinathkilla border for handing over to Bangladeshi smuggler namely Anman Miya resident of village Babula Kona, District Sherpur, Bangladesh.
Smugglers usually do so during the inclement weather conditions like heavy fog or rain. The cattle are fed a mixture of mustard oil and salt, which, smugglers believe, makes them less likely to moo while crossing. The demand-supply equation keeps the price of cattle quite high in Bangladesh. A small size cattle which fetches Rs 5000 to 8000 in India gets as much as Taka 20,000 to Taka 40,000 in Bangladesh.
Apart from constructing border roads and putting up flood lights along the border, the BSF has also increased the frequency of its surveillance.
