Cattle Chaos – Smuggling Through Famous Cattle Corridor

From the India-Bangladesh International Border: Recently, the International Border Security Force, Border Security Force of India (BSFI) seized more than several hundred head of cattle from various different locations near the India-Bangladesh international border that touches the Indian States, specially – Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and West Bengal, famous as a “Cattle Corrrdor.”

The local administrations of these states also disclosed that based on a tip off, they laid a trap when Bangladeshi smugglers along with their Indian associates were trying to smuggle cattle into Bangladesh. Not only that, the BSF troops cordoned off the suspected area at night. The smugglers, who were taking a huge herd of cattle to Bangladesh through the unfenced area, were challenged by the troops. The jawans lobbed stun grenades, which resulted in the seizure of hundreds of head of cattle.

Local people claimed, “Cattle markets known as – cattle-haats along the international boundary are becoming a source of cattle for smuggling. Although the BSFI has increased its vigil along the international border in view of the increased attempts by smugglers, it is in vain. Sometimes, even, the cattle traders allegedly collected an amount of Rs 800 to Rs. 1,000 each from the mediators, who help the illegal immigrants to sneak into Indian territory, illegally.”

Recently, in a massive drive along the Indo-Bangla international borders of the Indian State Assam’s Dhubri district sector, the BSFI seized as many as 110 head of cattle that were being smuggled to the neighbouring country. BSFI sources added that the drive was conducted by the 71, 67, 57 and 174 Battalion (BN) of the security force, on the night of 1st June and 2nd June, 2017 on various international bordering cattle-corridor areas of the district.

According to information received, the BSFI had made the seizure mostly along the island areas of the international riverine borders of the district and the cattle were about to be sent to Bangladesh.

Demonetisation Did Not Curb Cattle Smuggling

It may be mentioned here that this was the one of the biggest seizures of cattle by any security agency. It was supposed that the demonetisation had curbed cattle smuggling in the district but this seizure again proved that the illegal trade has started again in full swing.

BSFI sources added that recent cattle smuggling is being carried out with the distribution of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN).

A BSFI jawan was attacked by cattle smugglers in the South West Garo Hills area of another Eastern Indian State, Meghalaya, when he tried to stop them from crossing over to Bangladesh.

Krishna Murthy, a jawan on duty with the 26-BN of the BSFI, was on his usual round, when he saw a group of about five to eight cattle smugglers, whom he tried to stop. The gang, when confronted by the jawan, attacked him with machetes, which resulted in Murthy getting a deep cut at the back of his neck.

The cattle smuggling incidents are expected to rise all across the international border due to the upcoming EID festival.

The famous cattle corridors of the Indian States are – West Bengal State – Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Malda, Murshidabad, Nadia and South-24-Parganas districts, in Assam State – Dhubri, Karimganj and Cachar districts, in Meghalaya State – South West Garo Hills, South Garo Hills and Esat Khashi Hills districts and in Tripura State – South Tripura and West Tripura districts.

Cattle Smuggling in India Bangladesh International Border

YearTotal Number Of Seized CattleValue Of Seized Cattle, Rupees
Bangladeshi Nationals Apprehended During Cattle SmugglingIndian Nationals Apprehended During Cattle SmugglingBangladeshi Nationals Killed During Cattle SmugglingIndian Nationals Killed During Cattle Smuggling
20071,331,173687,194,249
2008120,547540,469,682
2009114,790830,952,883
2010101,381649,579,5260404
2011135,291569,180,12701010102
2012120724516,072,7201521300305
2013122,000520,852,1922231970406
2014109,999489,682,7481712150402
2015153,6021,139,189,6501864191106
2016168,8011,142,640,0502094610603
2017 to May 3152,080367,986,932511300003

Source : Border Security Force Of India (BSFI).

Note : Data compiled, including the data of the Indian States – Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, West Bengal and Mizoram, which share or touch the international border of Bangladesh.

Photo Feature and Captions: Text & Pictures – Shib Shankar Chatterjee (Copyright Protected) Please contact NewsBlaze editor for use of these photos or text.

cattle taken to bangladesh.
Cattle taken away on foot to the nearest Bangladesh International Border weekly markets for sale from where these cattle have been bought by smugglers and then smuggle to Bangladesh late at night. Photo: Shib Shankar Chatterjee/COROFLOT/NewsBlaze
driving cattle to bangladesh.
Cattle taken away on foot to the nearest Bangladesh International Border weekly markets for sale from where these cattle have been bought by smugglers and then smuggle to Bangladesh late at night. Photo: Shib Shankar Chatterjee/COROFLOT/NewsBlaze
cattle drivers.
Driving cattle to the Bangladesh International Border weekly markets for sale from where these cattle have been bought by smugglers, then smuggled to Bangladesh late at night. Photo: Shib Shankar Chatterjee/COROFLOT/NewsBlaze
cattle cage cart going to market.
Some cattle taken in cages by small pull-cart to the nearest Bangladesh International Border weekly market for sale from where these cattle are bought by smugglers and then smuggled to Bangladesh at night. Photo: Shib Shankar Chatterjee/COROFLOT/NewsBlaze
seller, buyers and cattle at the market.
A seller at an international border small weekly market, near India Bangladesh International Border in Indian West Bengal State sector (specially – Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Murshidabad, Malda & South Dinajpur districts), a famous ‘Cattle Corridor.’ Photo: Shib Shankar Chatterjee/COROFLOT/NewsBlaze
inspecting cattle at the market.
A view of international border small weekly markets, near India Bangladesh International Border in Indian West Bengal State sector (specially – Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Murshidabad, Malda & South Dinajpur districts), which is a famous ‘Cattle Corridor.’ Photo: Shib Shankar Chatterjee/COROFLOT/NewsBlaze
cattle at the market.
A view of international border small weekly market, near India Bangladesh International Border in Indian West Bengal State sector (specially – Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Murshidabad, Malda & South Dinajpur districts), which is a famous ‘Cattle Corridor.’ Photo: Shib Shankar Chatterjee/COROFLOT/NewsBlaze
seller issues cash docket at cattle market.
Seller issuing a cash-memo to buyers near India Bangladesh International Border weekly markets in Indian West Bengal State sector (specially – Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Murshidabad, Malda & South Dinajpur districts), a famous ‘Cattle Corridor.’ Photo: Shib Shankar Chatterjee/COROFLOT/NewsBlaze
seller waits for a buyer.
A seller waits for buyer at India Bangladesh International Border Weekly Market. Photo: Shib Shankar Chatterjee/COROFLOT/NewsBlaze
driving cattle at the international border.
Cattle smugglers have always taken advantage of the porous India-Bangladesh International Border areas like these pictures to smuggle cattle. Photo taken in North Bengal area of Indian State West Bengal, branded a ‘Cattle Corridor.’ Photo: Shib Shankar Chatterjee/COROFLOT/NewsBlaze
goods and cattle at porous border.
Cattle smugglers have always taken advantage of the porous India-Bangladesh International Border areas like these pictures to smuggle cattle. Photo taken in North Bengal area of Indian State West Bengal, branded a ‘Cattle Corridor.’ Photo: Shib Shankar Chatterjee/COROFLOT/NewsBlaze
cattle near international border.
Cattle smugglers have always taken advantage of the porous India-Bangladesh International Border areas like these pictures to smuggle cattle. Photo taken in North Bengal area of Indian State West Bengal, branded a ‘Cattle Corridor.’ Photo: Shib Shankar Chatterjee/COROFLOT/NewsBlaze
BSFI soldier and cattle farmer.
Soldier of the Indian Border Security Force (BSFI) strict vigil on India-Bangladesh International Border, while a farmer returns to his international border village, near India Bangladesh Border. Photo: Shib Shankar Chatterjee/COROFLOT/NewsBlaze
farmers bring cattle home from paddy fields.
People of international border villages, near India Bangladesh Border return to their abodes with their cattle from paddy fields that lie on the international boundary in Indian West Bengal State sector (specially – Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Murshidabad, Malda & South Dinajpur districts), which is famous as a ‘Cattle Corridor.’ Photo: Shib Shankar Chatterjee/COROFLOT/NewsBlaze
farmer brings his cattle home.
People of international border villages, near India Bangladesh Border return to their abodes with their cattle from paddy fields that lie on the international boundary in Indian West Bengal State sector (specially – Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Murshidabad, Malda & South Dinajpur districts), which is famous as a ‘Cattle Corridor.’ Photo: Shib Shankar Chatterjee/COROFLOT/NewsBlaze
returning home with cattle.
People of international border villages, near India Bangladesh Border return to their abodes with their cattle from paddy fields that lie on the international boundary in Indian West Bengal State sector (specially – Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Murshidabad, Malda & South Dinajpur districts), which is famous as a ‘Cattle Corridor.’ Photo: Shib Shankar Chatterjee/COROFLOT/NewsBlaze
farmers return home from paddy fields.
People of international border villages, near India Bangladesh Border return to their abodes with their cattle from paddy fields that lie on the international boundary in Indian West Bengal State sector (specially – Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Murshidabad, Malda & South Dinajpur districts), which is famous as a ‘Cattle Corridor.’ Photo: Shib Shankar Chatterjee/COROFLOT/NewsBlaze
bsfi soldier registers people and cattle.
Soldiers of the BSFI are asking people of international border villages, near India Bangladesh Border, who are going daily to their paddy fields that fall in No-Man’s Land (of Indian side) before registered their names with cattle in the log-book of the BSFI, for records at Dhubri district, known as ‘Cattle Corridor’ in Indian Assam State sector. Photo: Shib Shankar Chatterjee/COROFLOT/NewsBlaze
farmer passes bsfi soldier after registering.
Soldiers of the BSFI are asking people of international border villages, near India Bangladesh Border, who are going daily to their paddy fields that fall in No-Man’s Land (of Indian side) before registered their names with cattle in the log-book of the BSFI, for records at Dhubri district, known as ‘Cattle Corridor’ in Indian Assam State sector. Photo: Shib Shankar Chatterjee/COROFLOT/NewsBlaze
farmer registers with BSFI soldier.
Soldiers of the BSFI are asking people of international border villages, near India Bangladesh Border, who are going daily to their paddy fields that fall in No-Man’s Land (of Indian side) before registered their names with cattle in the log-book of the BSFI, for records at Dhubri district, known as ‘Cattle Corridor’ in Indian Assam State sector. Photo: Shib Shankar Chatterjee/COROFLOT/NewsBlaze
bsfi soldiers question boys near border.
Soldiers of the BSFI are asking people of international border villages, near India Bangladesh Border, who are going daily to their paddy fields that fall in No-Man’s Land (of Indian side) before registered their names with cattle in the log-book of the BSFI, for records at Dhubri district, known as ‘Cattle Corridor’ in Indian Assam State sector. Photo: Shib Shankar Chatterjee/COROFLOT/NewsBlaze
bsfi soldiers check farmer id.
Soldiers of the BSFI are asking people of international border villages, near India Bangladesh Border, who are going daily to their paddy fields that fall in No-Man’s Land (of Indian side) before registered their names with cattle in the log-book of the BSFI, for records at Dhubri district, known as ‘Cattle Corridor’ in Indian Assam State sector. Photo: Shib Shankar Chatterjee/COROFLOT/NewsBlaze
farmers show id to bsfi soldiers.
People of international border villages, near India Bangladesh Border are in a queue near international border gate to register their names with their cattle before going to their paddy fields in the morning that fall in No-Man’s Land (of Indian side) after registered their name with cattle in the BSFI log-book, for records at Dhubri district, known as ‘Cattle Corridor’ in Indian Assam State sector. Photo: Shib Shankar Chatterjee/COROFLOT/NewsBlaze
farmers queue to register with bsfi.
People of international border villages, near India Bangladesh Border are in a queue near international border gate to register their names with their cattle-heads before going to their paddy fields in the morning that fall in No-Man’s Land (of Indian side) after registered their name with cattle in the log-book of the BSFI, for records at Dhubri district, known as ‘Cattle Corridor’ in Indian Assam State sector. Photo: Shib Shankar Chatterjee/COROFLOT/NewsBlaze
soldier checks cattle and farmer at no mans land entry.
People of international border villages, near India Bangladesh Border going to their paddy fields in No-Man’s Land (of Indian side) after registering their name with cattle in the BSFI log-book, for records at Dhubri district, known as ‘Cattle Corridor’ in Indian Assam State sector.
farmer takes his cattle through border gate past soldier.
People of international border villages, near India Bangladesh Border going to their paddy fields in No-Man’s Land (of Indian side) after registering their name with cattle in the BSFI log-book, for records at Dhubri district, known as ‘Cattle Corridor’ in Indian Assam State sector. Photo: Shib Shankar Chatterjee/COROFLOT/NewsBlaze
passing through border gate into mans land.
People of international border villages, near India Bangladesh Border going to their paddy fields in No-Man’s Land (of Indian side) after registering their name with cattle in the BSFI log-book, for records at Dhubri district, known as ‘Cattle Corridor’ in Indian Assam State sector.
people wait at border gate to return home to india.
International border village residents, near India Bangladesh Border wait for the international border gate to open, to enter Indian territory, to return their abodes with their cattle in the evening at Dhubri district, known as ‘Cattle Corridor’ in Indian Assam State sector. Photo: Shib Shankar Chatterjee/COROFLOT/NewsBlaze
farmer waits in no mans land to return home.
International border village residents, near India Bangladesh Border wait for the international border gate to open, to enter Indian territory, to return their abodes with their cattle in the evening at Dhubri district, known as ‘Cattle Corridor’ in Indian Assam State sector. Photo: Shib Shankar Chatterjee/COROFLOT/NewsBlaze
bsfi soldier catches two cattle smugglers.
BSFI Soldier catches two cattle smugglers at Dhubri district, known as ‘Cattle Corridor’ in India-Bangladesh International Border, when they were trying to smuggle cattle to Bangladesh in Indian Assam State sector. Photo: Shib Shankar Chatterjee/COROFLOT/NewsBlaze
bsfi soldiers with two cattle smugglers and cattle.
BSFI Soldiers caught two cattle smugglers at Dhubri district, known as ‘Cattle Corridor’ in India-Bangladesh International Border, when they were trying to smuggle cattle to Bangladesh in Indian Assam State sector. Photo: Shib Shankar Chatterjee/COROFLOT/NewsBlaze
bangladeshi smugglers take cattle to bangladesh on boats india bangladesh riverine border.
Smugglers are smuggling cattle to Bangladesh through porous India-Bangladesh International (Brahmaputra River) Riverine Border areas of Dhubri district, known as ‘Cattle Corridor’ in Indian Assam State sector. Photo: Shib Shankar Chatterjee/COROFLOT/NewsBlaze
smugglers take cattle to bangladesh through india bangladesh riverine border.
Smugglers are smuggling cattle to Bangladesh through porous India-Bangladesh International (Brahmaputra River) Riverine Border areas of Dhubri district, known as ‘Cattle Corridor’ in Indian Assam State sector. Photo: Shib Shankar Chatterjee/COROFLOT/NewsBlaze
bangladeshi cattle smugglers riverine border area dhubri district.
Smugglers are smuggling cattle to Bangladesh through porous India-Bangladesh International (Brahmaputra River) Riverine Border areas of Dhubri district, known as ‘Cattle Corridor’ in Indian Assam State sector. Photo: Shib Shankar Chatterjee/COROFLOT/NewsBlaze
smugglers with cattle on boat at india bangladesh riverine border dhubri district.
Smugglers are smuggling cattle to Bangladesh through porous India-Bangladesh International (Brahmaputra River) Riverine Border areas of Dhubri district, known as ‘Cattle Corridor’ in Indian Assam State sector. Photo: Shib Shankar Chatterjee/COROFLOT/NewsBlaze
smugglers take cattle to bangladesh through india bangladesh riverine border area dhubri district.
Smugglers are smuggling cattle to Bangladesh through porous India-Bangladesh International (Brahmaputra River) Riverine Border areas of Dhubri district, known as ‘Cattle Corridor’ in Indian Assam State sector. Photo: Shib Shankar Chatterjee/COROFLOT/NewsBlaze
suspected bangladeshi cattle smugglers near international border pillar.
Suspected Bangladeshi cattle smugglers with their cattle near international border pillar of India Bangladesh International Border, in the evening, boundary in Indian West Bengal State sector (specially – Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Murshidabad, Malda & South Dinajpur districts), which is famous as ‘Cattle Corridor’. Photo: Shib Shankar Chatterjee/COROFLOT/NewsBlaze

Shib Shankar Chatterjee is a former BBC, The Times of India, Hindustan Times, The Statesman & The Telegraph Contributor-cum-Correspondent from Northeast India, who specializes in investigations of important issues affecting the people of South Asia, specially, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan & Myanmar.