The CBI on Wednesday conducted search operations across parts of Calcutta, Salt Lake, Rajarhat, Malda and Murshidabad in Bengal, as well as Punjab, and Chhattisgarh capital Raipur, in connection with a probe into cattle-smuggling across the Bengal-Bangladesh border.

Late in the evening, CBI officers sealed the Salt Lake residence of Satish Kumar, a BSF commandant, who along with his son, is alleged to be involved in this case.

Search operations were carried out at the homes of two associates of a Murshidabad businessman, Emanul Seikh, in Kulgachhia. Emanul, according to the central investigating agency, is believed to be the kingpin of the cartel that had several government officials as its members.

“We have started a case based on our preliminary finding in connection with cattle smuggling across the India-Bangladesh border. The case was drawn up on Tuesday and search operations were held on Wednesday,” said a CBI officer.

Primarily CBI has learnt that between December 2015 and April 2017, Satish was posted as the commandant of 36th battalion of the BSF, overseeing operations in Malda and Murshidabad. During his tenure, Satish reportedly seized around 20,000 cows during raids to prevent cattle smuggling along the border. But these cows were allegedly shown as calves in the record books. This meant when put up for auction, the animals fetched lesser amounts.

CBI officers have learnt if a full grown cow fetched around Rs 60,000, a calf would attract half the amount. By showing cows as calves, the investigating agency said the government had lost several hundreds of crores in revenue.

The CBI has primarily learnt that Enamul and his gang would allegedly buy these cows at a lower price only to smuggle them back to Bangladesh. His team would allegedly pay Rs 2,000 for each of the cows that was auctioned at a lower price.

“Satish’s son had even worked with Emanul’s company for some time, drawing Rs 40,000 every month,” said the officer.

Satish is currently posted in Chhattisgarh.

In 2018, the CBI arrested Jibu Mathew, a BSF officer from Bengal, for assets disproportionate to his income. During his interrogation, Enamul’s name had cropped up.

He was arrested and later released on bail.

While cows were seized, CBI has learnt neither the operatives nor vans carrying them were held, raising questions about the nature of raids.

CBI has learnt that Satish is working in Chattisgarh. Search for him is on.