Maharashtra Govt Forms SIT to Investigate Widespread Beef Smuggling Despite Statewide Ban

Mumbai, July 15: In a significant move, the Maharashtra government has announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the rampant smuggling of beef across the state, despite a long-standing ban on its slaughter, sale, and transportation. The decision follows increasing political pressure and alarming data released by the state’s home department.

Minister of State for Home, Pankaj Bhoyar, confirmed on Monday that beef smuggling continues to pose a serious law enforcement challenge, and the SIT aims to uncover the nexus behind the illegal trade.

57,000 Kg Beef Seized at Lonavala: A Wake-Up Call

The issue gained fresh urgency after a high-profile seizure in Kusgaon, Lonavala, in March 2025, where 57,000 kg of beef was confiscated from two containers on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway. Initially labeled as “Indian Halal frozen boneless buffalo offals” by the supplier, Asian Food Meem Agro, forensic analysis later confirmed the substance to be beef, not buffalo meat.

This case became the tipping point for several lawmakers who demanded deeper investigation, claiming that such large-scale smuggling operations point to a well-organized criminal network.

2,849 Beef Smuggling Cases in 3 Years

According to official Home Department data from 2022 to June 2025:

• 2,849 cases were registered under Maharashtra’s Beef Ban Act
• 4,678 individuals have been arrested
• A total of 1,724 tonnes of beef have been seized

The data reveals the ongoing and large-scale violations of the law, particularly in Dharashiv district, where 76 cases were registered in 2025 alone.
 

Political Leaders Demand Accountability

The demand for the SIT probe gained momentum when BJP’s Shrikant Bhartiya raised the issue in the Maharashtra Legislative Council. He expressed concern about consistent smuggling activities from Marathwada’s Dharashiv district to Telangana, claiming that 20–25 tonnes of beef are being transported illegally every month.

Supporting the call for a deeper probe, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anil Parab criticized the Home Department, stating that the state machinery had failed to enforce the beef ban effectively. “The Lonavala seizure and continued beef transport from Dharashiv suggest a powerful racket is involved,” Parab said.

SIT to Focus on Network Behind Smuggling

Minister Bhoyar acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and assured that the SIT would investigate:

• Supply chains and transport routes
• The role of processing units mislabeling meat
• Possible collusion of officials or gaps in enforcement
• The destination and distribution networks within and outside the state

“This is not just about isolated incidents; it’s a question of law, enforcement integrity, and public sentiment,” Bhoyar said.

The Beef Ban Act in Maharashtra: A Recap

Maharashtra implemented a stringent beef ban law in 2015, making it illegal to:

• Slaughter cows, bulls, and bullocks
• Sell, possess, or transport beef

Violators can face up to 5 years in jail and fines up to ₹10,000.

Despite the law, the latest data indicates that enforcement remains a challenge, and large volumes of beef are still finding their way into and out of Maharashtra.

 

What Lies Ahead?
 

The formation of the SIT marks a critical shift from reactive enforcement to proactive investigation. Authorities believe that dismantling the larger network behind the smuggling will:

• Reduce illegal cattle slaughter
• Restore public confidence in law enforcement
• Protect the state’s legal and religious frameworks

With a focus on data, forensic verification, and inter-state coordination, the SIT’s findings are expected to shape future amendments in enforcement policy.

Key Takeaways:

• Maharashtra to form SIT to investigate illegal beef smuggling
• 57,000 kg beef seized in March 2025 from Lonavala container
• Over 2,800 cases registered and 1,724 tonnes of beef seized since 2022
• Political leaders raise concern over possible smuggling nexus
• SIT to identify logistics, labeling fraud, and enforcement failures