Chennai: More than 30 heads of cattle have been stolen by an unidentified gang from suburban areas of Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpet, and Ambattur over the past one month, according to reports. Cattle owners have alleged that unidentified individuals traveling in load vans, many without registration numbers, have been targeting cows grazing in open areas and stealing them from residential localities during late hours.
Incident in Ambattur
One such incident was reported from Ramapuram Nagar in Ambattur, where Ilango, a cattle farmer who owns more than 20 cows and goats, lost three cows on May 19. The animals, which had been taken for grazing, failed to return home. After searching, Ilango examined CCTV footage from nearby areas and found visuals of unidentified men loading the cows into a van and fleeing. Ilango claimed that despite repeatedly approaching the Ambattur Industrial Estate police station over the past five days, the personnel failed to take proper action.
More Thefts Reported
In another incident reported on Sunday, five cows were stolen from Ambattur by unidentified persons traveling in a load van. Similarly, three cows reportedly went missing from Kannadapalayam in Avadi. These incidents have raised concerns among livestock farmers in the region.
Farmers Take Matters into Their Own Hands
Farmers from Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Chengalpet have now formed informal groups to trace the culprits on their own, claiming they have lost faith in police response. “Vehicles without registration numbers are repeatedly being used for these thefts. Police should intensify vehicle checks and immediately stop these crimes,” livestock farmers said.
Police Response
A senior police officer said that he will look into the issue. “We will enquire and ensure that cases are registered,” a police officer said. However, farmers remain skeptical about the effectiveness of police action given the recent spate of thefts.
The modus operandi involves stealing cattle during late hours from open grazing areas and residential localities, using vans that often lack registration plates. The thefts have caused significant financial loss to farmers, who rely on livestock for their livelihood. The affected areas include not only Ambattur but also Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpet, and Avadi, indicating a coordinated criminal network operating across the suburbs.
