India-Nepal border operation seizes 40 buffaloes, arrests driver

On 28 July, the Armed Border Security Force’s 41st battalion conducted a large‑scale operation near the India‑Nepal border. Intelligence led officers to set up a mobile check‑post on National Highway 327 near Galagalia, Bihar, about three kilometres from the nearest border pillar. A truck without proper documentation was pursued and stopped; it was carrying 40 buffaloes destined for Assam via West Bengal.

Two occupants fled, while the driver, identified as Khabin Hussain of North Dinajpur district in West Bengal, was detained. The vehicle (registration WB‑57D‑9898) and the seized animals were handed to Galagalia police for further legal action. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has recently announced a "zero tolerance" policy against cattle theft and illegal beef trade, noting numerous arrests and seizures in the state.

The operation underscores ongoing efforts to curb cross‑state and cross‑border cattle smuggling, a practice that often routes livestock from Bihar through West Bengal and Assam toward Bangladesh or other markets.