Gandhinagar: Gujarat authorities filed 629 cases of alleged cow smuggling and illegal beef transport over the past two years, arresting 1,810 people and rescuing nearly 1,800 cattle, the state Assembly heard Wednesday during the Budget Session.
Minister of State for Law and Justice Kaushik Vekariya, speaking for Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, said enforcement teams seized 54,000 kg of beef and 433 vehicles, auctioning 339 of them.
The government maintains a zero-tolerance stance with special prosecutors, preventive detention for 184 persons, externment of 50 others, and demolition of 39 accused-linked properties worth ₹6 crore. Police conduct operations in forests, hills, and highways despite challenges.
In Amreli district, 12 cases over two years resulted in 21 convictions, including three life sentences, eleven 10-year rigorous imprisonment terms, three 7-year sentences, and ₹43 lakh fines.
Mahisagar saw eight cases with 1,940 kg beef seized, 10 cattle rescued, 28 accused booked, and 13 vehicles confiscated; investigations continue.
Speaker Shankar Chaudhary highlighted cross-party backing for Gujarat's complete cow slaughter ban, with authorities pledging stricter district-wide monitoring.
Critics argue the law discriminates against Muslims and marginalized groups' livelihoods, while reports cite legal animal transport cases misframed as smuggling, leading to wrongful imprisonments.