Fresh communal tension surfaced in Silchar town on Sunday morning after two individuals were allegedly caught processing beef in the Ghoniala area. The incident triggered protests by local residents and members of the Bajrang Dal, who blockaded the area before handing both suspects over to the Cachar Police.
Protests and Road Blockade in Ghoniala
The incident reportedly took place around 9:00 AM in a residential property adjacent to Dr. Sen Purkayastha’s residence in Ghoniala. Local residents alleged that cattle slaughter and beef processing were being conducted openly within the neighborhood.
Upon receiving information, members of the Bajrang Dal along with local residents gathered at the spot and staged a demonstration. Protesters staged a sit-in on the main road and outside the accused’s residence, temporarily disrupting traffic movement in the area.
To prevent any escalation of the situation, a team from the Cachar Police along with additional security forces arrived at the scene. Authorities managed to pacify the crowd, secured the area, and urged citizens to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
Legal Provisions Under the Assam Cattle Preservation Act
Speaking to reporters, representatives of the protesting group demanded strict action under the prevailing livestock and cattle preservation framework of the state.
Legal Reference:
Under the Assam Cattle Preservation (Amendment) Act, 2021/2022, passed under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, the slaughter of cattle and the sale, distribution, or public consumption of beef are completely prohibited in non-designated and restricted zones. Non-compliance under the stringent provisions of the Act carries non-bailable charges, punishable by 3 to 8 years of imprisonment and a fine ranging from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh, or both.
Police Investigation Underway
Following the detention, police personnel took both individuals into custody and shifted them to the local police station for interrogation. Senior officials confirmed that police deployment remains active in Ghoniala to preserve public order and ensure stability.
Investigators are currently verifying the facts and examining the evidence collected from the scene. The primary focus remains on determining the specific sections of the law under which the formal police complaint and case registration will proceed.
