In a decisive action against illegal animal transport, the Bela police station in Nagpur successfully intercepted a vehicle and rescued twenty-nine cattle on Monday. The operation was launched based on specific intelligence received by the authorities.
Tip-Off Leads to Dramatic Interception
Acting swiftly on a credible tip-off, police teams conducted patrols in the Salebhatti area. Their vigilance paid off when they spotted a suspicious mini truck with registration number MH35/AJ2016 parked at a bus stop. Upon noticing the police presence, the driver of the vehicle panicked and attempted to escape towards a nearby forest, ultimately abandoning the truck and its living cargo.
Distressing Conditions Inside the Vehicle
A subsequent inspection of the mini truck revealed a harrowing scene. The cattle were found crammed inside the vehicle, with their horns and limbs tightly bound by ropes. The animals had been subjected to severe distress, as there were no provisions for food or water for the duration of their illegal journey. The manner of transport constituted a clear violation of animal welfare norms.
Legal Action and Valuation of Seizure
The police have seized both the vehicle and the rescued cattle. The total estimated value of the seizure is a substantial Rs 17.56 lakh. This includes the cattle, which are valued at Rs 2.56 lakh, and the mini truck used for the illicit operation.
A formal case has been registered against the absconding driver and the owner of the vehicle. They have been booked under stringent laws, including:
- The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act
- The Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act
- Other relevant sections of the law
The police are continuing their efforts to trace and apprehend the accused individuals involved in this case of illegal cattle transportation and animal cruelty.
