Sarma pointed to violations in Dhubri, Lakhimpur, Goalpara, Lakhipur and Hojai districts, where beef was consumed or cattle remains found close to religious institutions. He said better enforcement and public awareness could have prevented the infractions. The incidents came to light after Eid‑ul‑Adha celebrations saw locals reportedly organising beef feasts within the restricted zones.
At a press briefing in Guwahati, the chief minister attributed these errors to administrative lapses. He revealed that standard operating procedures would be issued to all Deputy Commissioners across the state to guide future enforcement of the Act. "Had there been better awareness and enforcement, such unrest could have been prevented," Sarma stressed.
He also raised alarm about a possible strategy to inflame communal tensions. In Dhubri, a cow’s head was placed outside a Hanuman temple, prompting a shoot‑on‑sight order after 6 pm. More than 40 arrests followed, and similar incidents were reported in Goalpara and Lakhimpur. Opposition leader Gaurav Gogoi from the Congress party demanded a thorough investigation to uncover not just the culprits but also those who orchestrated the provocations.
Sarma accused rival groups and social media networks of stoking discord. He claimed forensic analysis revealed thousands of social media accounts—hundreds traced to Bangladesh, Pakistan, the Middle East and other regions—supporting one political party and spreading content with "hardcore Islamic fundamentalist ideals" to sow division. He said the Centre had been informed to take measures from a national security standpoint.
In the meantime, law enforcement has also targeted those involved in unauthorised slaughter. On 9 June, police arrested 16 individuals across Kamrup Metro, Dhubri, Hojai, Cachar, and Sribhumi for illegal cattle slaughter and dumping of remains near public spaces, including Guwahati’s Cotton University. The chief minister said this violated not only the Cattle Preservation Act but also undermined communal harmony.
Sarma warned that the beef ban near temples and Namghars was not a cultural imposition but a legal necessity. He said the government would ensure religious festivals are conducted lawfully and community sentiments respected.
Anti‑slaughter measures have now moved to centre stage in Assam’s governance agenda, with legal tools, enhanced enforcement and strategic communication being deployed amid election‑year sensitivities.