Sonbhadra: Police have uncovered an alleged interstate cattle smuggling network operating across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal, exposing a sophisticated financial system used to facilitate the purchase, transportation and sale of cattle. Investigators have identified transactions exceeding ₹100 crore routed through just 25 bank accounts. So far, 11 accused have been arrested, while investigations into additional suspects, bank accounts and financial transactions are continuing.
According to the investigation, the network extended from Rohtas and Kaimur districts in Bihar to Pandua and Memari in West Bengal. The probe into the group’s financial operations gathered momentum following the arrest of Raja Qureshi, a resident of West Bengal. Investigators are examining bank records, digital evidence and financial documents to identify the source of funds and the ultimate beneficiaries.
Police allege that proceeds generated through cattle smuggling were initially collected by Raja Qureshi in the Pandua-Memari region of West Bengal. The money was then allegedly split into transfers of ₹49,000 and ₹99,000 and routed to firms and bank accounts linked to Sheikh Sultan Ali of Khurmabad in Bihar’s Rohtas district, including Furqan Traders, Chanda Traders and other accounts. Investigators believe the transactions were deliberately structured in smaller amounts to make them appear like routine commercial payments and avoid scrutiny.
The probe further revealed that substantial sums were also transferred to the account of Mohammad Aminuddin of Chainpur in Kaimur district. Funds were additionally deposited into accounts linked to Guddu alias Shamshad Qureshi of Khurmabad and Afzal Qureshi and Shahzad Qureshi of Chainpur. According to investigators, the money was later withdrawn through ATMs and transferred via UPI to local cattle smugglers. Authorities also allege that a significant portion of the funds was routed through the Common Service Centre (CSC) account of Sandeep Singh, from where it was further diverted to accounts associated with Rishu Yadav, Vikas Yadav and Bhagwan Yadav.
During interrogation, principal accused Raja Qureshi allegedly disclosed that the smuggling operation functioned through a five-layer structure. In the first stage, cattle were procured using small vehicles from Sonbhadra, Mirzapur and Varanasi. In the second stage, the animals were transported to Chainpur and Khurmabad in Bihar. The third stage involved routing payments through multiple bank accounts and digital channels. In the fourth stage, consignments of 50 to 80 cattle were transported in large containers to the Pandua cattle market or Memari in West Bengal. In the final stage, the cattle were sold through local traders before being transported onward to slaughterhouses.
The investigation has also highlighted the alleged misuse of Common Service Centre (CSC) accounts for laundering funds. According to investigators, accounts linked to Chanda Traders, Furqan Traders and other CSC operators were used to layer transactions. Instead of making direct payments, money was allegedly routed through multiple accounts to conceal the identities of the actual beneficiaries and avoid detection by financial monitoring agencies. Authorities are now scrutinising KYC records, banking documents and digital transaction histories connected to these accounts.
Those arrested in the case include Raja Qureshi, Jiaul alias Jiauddin, Rishu Yadav, Pramod Kumar, Shivmangal Yadav, Sheikh Sultan Ali, Niranjan Kumar, Bhagwan Yadav, Mohammad Aminuddin, Vinod Sonkar and Gorakh alias Hajari Prasad. Investigators are continuing to identify additional hideouts, associates and facilitators linked to the network, while efforts to trace absconding suspects are underway.
The investigation remains in progress, with authorities examining additional bank accounts, mobile phone records, digital transactions and financial evidence. If further individuals are found to have played a role in the alleged interstate smuggling network, legal action will be initiated against them in accordance with the law. Investigators are also examining possible money laundering aspects before filing a comprehensive chargesheet based on the evidence collected.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
