Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Police have claimed to have uncovered an alleged interstate cattle smuggling network operating across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal, with investigators tracing financial transactions estimated at ₹80–100 crore through multiple bank accounts. The probe has so far led to the arrest of 11 accused, including the latest suspect from West Bengal’s Hooghly district.
According to Sonbhadra Police, the investigation began several months ago after officers intercepted a vehicle allegedly transporting cattle illegally. Subsequent raids in different parts of the district led to the recovery of more cattle and prompted a wider investigation into what police describe as an organised smuggling syndicate.
Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Anil Kumar said investigators gradually uncovered an extensive network allegedly involved in transporting cows from parts of Uttar Pradesh through Bihar to West Bengal for slaughter. Police said the accused used a layered financial system to conceal the origin and movement of funds generated through the alleged illegal trade.
The latest arrest is Raja Qureshi, a resident of Pandua in Hooghly district, West Bengal. He was produced before a local court after being taken into custody. Earlier arrests include suspects from Sonbhadra and Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh as well as several districts in Bihar.
Investigators said they examined at least 25 bank accounts, uncovering transactions estimated between ₹80 crore and ₹100 crore over the past few years. The financial investigation gathered pace following the arrest of Sonbhadra resident Rishu Yadav alias Vikas Yadav, whose bank records allegedly revealed that funds were routed through multiple personal, business and intermediary accounts rather than being transferred directly to members of the network.
Police allege that cash generated from the operation was deposited in amounts such as ₹49,000 and ₹99,000 into accounts linked to businesses including Furkan Traders and Chanda Traders, as well as accounts belonging to individuals in Bihar. A significant portion of the money was later withdrawn in smaller instalments, often through ATMs or UPI transactions, investigators said.
The probe also highlighted the alleged use of Common Service Centre (CSC) accounts to process high-value transactions. According to police, these accounts were allegedly used to make financial activity appear legitimate while obscuring the actual source of funds and their intended recipients. Investigators believe large sums were subsequently withdrawn in cash or transferred to individual accounts.
During interrogation, Raja Qureshi allegedly disclosed that cattle were initially transported in small vehicles carrying six to eight animals from Sonbhadra to Mirzapur and Varanasi. From there, police claim, they were loaded into larger containers carrying 50 to 80 bovines for onward transportation through Bihar.
Police said the investigation is continuing to identify additional suspects, trace financial links and determine the full extent of the alleged interstate network. Authorities indicated that further arrests and financial scrutiny are likely as the probe progresses.
