In a dramatic incident on Saturday, newly elected BJP MLA Rekha Patra intercepted a truck carrying cattle in the Lebukhali area of Hingalganj. The legislator, who represents the Hingalganj constituency, stopped the vehicle and had the animals unloaded. They were later tied under a tree by the roadside, where arrangements were made for fodder and water.

Speaking to reporters, Patra said the action was in line with directions issued by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to clamp down on illegal cattle trade. She claimed that under newly introduced state guidelines, cows younger than 14 years cannot be slaughtered.

According to Patra, anyone transporting cattle must be able to prove the animals meet the age requirement. She stated that in cases of suspected violations, transporters would be asked to produce documents — including what she referred to as “birth certificates” of the cattle — failing which legal action would follow as per due process.

Her comments quickly drew criticism from the opposition All India Trinamool Congress (TMC). Party MLA Kunal Ghosh questioned the practicality of such a requirement, asking whether similar documents could be produced for cattle in other BJP-ruled states. He sarcastically urged the BJP to present an example of a cow’s birth certificate and clarify who would be authorised to issue such papers.

The episode has since snowballed into a political flashpoint, with both parties trading barbs over cattle regulation and enforcement practices in the state.