Major Buffalo Theft and Illegal Slaughter Racket Busted in Aligarh
In a significant crackdown on organized crime, police in Aligarh have arrested ten individuals, including key personnel from a meat-processing factory, for allegedly operating a sophisticated buffalo theft and illegal slaughter racket. The arrests were made on Friday following an intensive investigation that spanned multiple police station jurisdictions in rural areas.
How the Criminal Network Operated
The accused systematically targeted buffaloes in rural regions and village outskirts across several police station limits. According to police officials, the thieves used a pick-up vehicle to transport the stolen animals directly to a meat-processing facility. At this factory, the buffaloes were slaughtered without any valid documentation or legal authorization, bypassing all regulatory checks.
The breakthrough in the case came from careful analysis of CCTV footage collected from various theft locations and connecting routes. Investigators identified a distinctive pick-up vehicle with "Naveen The Gaddi" written on its side, which appeared repeatedly in connection with the crimes. This critical visual evidence allowed police to trace the vehicle back to a private export company operating under the Rorawar police station limits.
Key Arrests and Confessions
Among those apprehended were several high-ranking factory employees:
- Ravi Kumar, the factory general manager and a native of Tamil Nadu
- Siarik Ahmed of Prayagraj, who served as purchasing officer
- Tabrez, the liaison officer
- Three security guards employed at the facility
In total, eight of the ten arrested individuals were confirmed employees of the meat-processing factory, indicating deep institutional involvement in the criminal enterprise.
During interrogation, the accused allegedly confessed to stealing buffaloes from multiple locations including Khair, Tappal, and other surrounding areas. They revealed how they collaborated with factory staff to bring the stolen animals inside the premises for illegal slaughter. Police confirmed that the criminal proceeds were distributed equally among all participants in the racket.
Police Investigation and Official Statements
Aligarh Senior Superintendent of Police Neeraj Kumar Jadaun explained that a series of buffalo thefts had been reported across four different police station areas, prompting a coordinated investigation monitored at the SP (Rural) level.
"Our teams identified a common link in the form of a vehicle that was repeatedly used to transport stolen animals," SSP Jadaun stated. "Acting on this crucial lead, we successfully traced the vehicle and dismantled the entire criminal network operating behind these thefts and illegal slaughter activities."
Evidence Recovery and Ongoing Investigations
During raids on the factory premises, police discovered approximately 70 buffaloes. Verification processes are currently underway to determine how many of these animals were stolen versus legally acquired. Investigators are examining ownership documents and conducting forensic analysis to establish the origins of each animal.
Authorities are also looking into about half a dozen similar cases reported from nearby districts to determine possible connections with the factory and the arrested individuals. This broader investigation aims to uncover whether this racket was part of a larger regional network of livestock theft and illegal slaughter operations.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
A formal case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 305 which deals specifically with theft offenses. All ten accused individuals have been remanded to judicial custody as the investigation continues to uncover the full extent of their criminal activities.
The bust represents a significant victory for law enforcement against organized livestock crime in the region, highlighting both the sophistication of such criminal networks and the determined police work required to dismantle them.
