Assam Ethnic Council Demands CBI Probe into Alleged Sale of Cows
Allegations of Corruption in Assam's Cow Project
The Assam Ethnic Council (AJP) has accused several individuals, including a minister's wife, a Member of Parliament, and various legislators, of selling 90 cows that were brought from Gujarat. This allegation was made on Thursday, prompting the council to call for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the matter.
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, AJP President Lurinjyoti Gogoi criticized the Assam government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, for alleged widespread corruption linked to the Gorukhuti Multi-Purpose Agricultural Project initiated in 2021.
Gogoi highlighted recent irregularities, misuse of public funds, and significant corruption, describing the disgraceful act of selling cows—considered sacred and revered as mothers in Indian culture—as a betrayal of public trust.
He emphasized that this situation is not merely an administrative failure but an unethical, irreligious, and inhumane act that has hurt the spiritual and cultural sentiments of millions.
The controversy revolves around the Gorukhuti project, which involved the purchase of 300 Gir cows from Gujarat through an agreement with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).
However, serious allegations have emerged, particularly concerning the disappearance of 90 Gir cows after they were brought to Rangiya railway station on April 2-3, 2022. Conflicting statements from the Chief Minister and the project chairman have further deepened public skepticism and eroded trust.
The opposition leader asserted that the people of Assam deserve transparency, accountability, and justice. He remarked that sacred cows symbolize purity and motherhood, and those in power should not treat them as commercial commodities.
Thus, he respectfully requested a CBI investigation into the entire process of purchasing, protecting, distributing, and the subsequent sale or disappearance of the Gir cows under the Gorukhuti project. He also urged for a forensic audit of subsidy distribution and the financial records of all related entities.