India, March 29 -- The Panvel City police have, for the first time, invoked stringent provisions of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against a beef smuggling racket, said officials.

"This is the first instance in the Navi Mumbai police commissionerate where MCOCA has been invoked in a case related to beef smuggling," said assistant commissioner of police, Prerana Katte.

The case began on December 23, 2025, when police intercepted a vehicle carrying beef allegedly meant for sale in Mumbai and detained two persons. Further investigation led to the arrest of two more accused, exposing what police described as a larger organised network.

According to police, 37 year old Yasin Moinuddin Shaikh is the alleged kingpin of...