352 Arrests, 309 Vehicles Seized: Operation Kamdhenu Cripples Bovine Smuggling Network
- Operation Kamdhenu, a Jammu Police initiative targeting bovine smuggling, has yielded significant results in 2024, with hundreds of arrests, thousands of animals rescued, and hundreds of vehicles seized.
- The operation, overseen by SSP Jammu Joginder Singh, JKPS, and led by SP Rural Brijesh Sharma, JKPS, in the rural zone, has been instrumental in disrupting bovine smuggling networks across the district.
- Beyond arrests and seizures, the police have implemented stringent measures, including creating a database of offenders, opening history sheets, and initiating the cancellation of vehicle permits and licenses to combat the bovine mafia effectively.
- Â The Jammu Police have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting animal rights and public sentiment, vowing to continue Operation Kamdhenu with increased vigour in the future.
Mohit Mehra
Jammu, Dec 31: Jammu and Kashmir Police, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to animal welfare and respecting public sentiment, have achieved remarkable success in their fight against bovine smuggling. Operation Kamdhenu, a targeted campaign launched in 2024 and overseen by SSP Jammu Joginder Singh, JKPS, has significantly disrupted bovine smuggling networks across the district, leading to a sharp decline in these illegal activities.
The operation’s success is particularly evident in the Rural Zone of Jammu District, where, under the leadership of SP Rural Jammu Brijesh Sharma, JKPS, a comprehensive strategy has been implemented to target all aspects of the bovine smuggling network. This has resulted in the registration of 333 FIRs against individuals involved in the illegal trade, leading to the arrest of 352 accused.
The impact of Operation Kamdhenu is visible in the number of animals rescued from the clutches of smugglers. A staggering 3014 bovines were saved from illegal transportation in the Rural Zone alone. In addition to arrests and rescues, 309 vehicles used for transporting the animals were seized.
The financial impact on the smugglers has also been significant, with ?8,32,752 in cost and care charges recovered through court orders. This sends a strong message that such illegal activities will not only result in criminal prosecution but also significant financial penalties. Furthermore, eight repeat offenders have been booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA), a strong deterrent aimed at curbing habitual violations.
Across the entire Jammu district, Operation Kamdhenu’s impact has been substantial, with 374 FIRs registered, 3252 animals rescued, and 349 vehicles seized. A total of 407 individuals involved in bovine smuggling have been apprehended, demonstrating the police’s commitment to enforcing the law and bringing culprits to justice.
Jammu Police have adopted a multi-pronged approach to combat bovine smuggling, going beyond arrests and seizures to ensure long-term effectiveness. History sheets and personal files have been created for known smugglers, allowing for better monitoring and targeted action. Authorities are also taking steps to cancel the registration certificates, route permits, and licenses of vehicles repeatedly used for bovine smuggling, further disrupting their operations. To strengthen future enforcement measures, a comprehensive database of offenders is being maintained.
SP Rural Jammu, Brijesh Sharma, JKPS, commended the dedication and hard work of the police personnel involved in Operation Kamdhenu, stating, “The Jammu Police is resolute in its mission to protect public sentiments and uphold animal rights. Our strict measures aim to dismantle the bovine mafia and eliminate this menace from the region.” He emphasized that the operation will continue with even greater intensity in the years to come.
