GUWAHATI: At a time when beef consumption has heated up national politics, a report by Supreme Court-appointed commissioner and senior advocate Upamanyu Hazarika has expressed concern over the rise in cattle smuggling to Bangladesh through the porous international border in Assam and West Bengal.

The report, which has suggested measures to stop influx from Bangladesh and effective management of the riverine portions of the border, was submitted to the Supreme Court earlier this month.

Hazarika, in his report, has pointed out that lack of effective legislations in preventing transportation of cattle from the rest of the country to Assam and West Bengal, which shares a border with Bangladesh, has become one of the main hurdles in checking the spurt in cattle smuggling.

In his report, compiled following extensive travels to remote border areas and interactions with state government officials, civil society members, BSF and other stakeholders, Hazarika has said 3,021 heads of cattle were smuggled in 2014, while the number has gone up to 17,152 till September 20 this year.

The report has further said the value of cattle smuggled till September this year has increased to Rs 13,80,82,645 from Rs 1,89,35,080 in 2014. It has pointed out that smuggling of fake Indian currency notes is also linked to cattle smuggling.

"Smuggling of cattle has shown a phenomenal increase this year. It is, therefore, imperative that measures like shifting of cattle haats, customs impound centre on the international border and having a system of ascertaining credentials of auctioneers and purchasers be implemented immediately," Hazarika has suggested in the report.

He has also added that, instead of allowing auction of cattle close to the border, it should be shifted to around 50 km away from the border. He explained that doing this will automatically increase the cost of transportation for the smugglers and hence act as an effective deterrent.

The report has also suggested an amendment in the existing laws for prohibiting interstate movement of cattle.

