Nagpur: Police rescued 23 cattle in two separate incidents in and around Nagpur after receiving information about their alleged illegal transportation and suspected movement towards slaughter facilities.
In the first case, Tehsil police intercepted a Bolero pickup near Abbu Miyan Mosque in Ansar Nagar, Mominpura, and rescued eight cattle allegedly being transported in cramped and inhumane conditions.
Acting on a tip-off about illegal transportation, police stopped the vehicle bearing registration number MH-49-D-1326 and searched it. The eight cattle were allegedly found tied with ropes and packed tightly inside the vehicle, leaving little room for movement.
Police freed all the animals and seized property worth around Rs 4.30 lakh, including cattle valued at approximately Rs 80,000 and the pickup vehicle valued at Rs 3.50 lakh.
Police arrested Bhushan alias Ranjit Mahadev Ramteke, a resident of Dongri in Mouda, in connection with the case. Cases have also been registered against Mohd Sharif Qureshi and Mohd Shahbaz Qureshi.
In the second incident, police rescued 15 cattle allegedly kept tied in a field near Nagoba Temple in Neri village. Police had received information that the animals had been kept there for transportation to a slaughterhouse.
A police team reached the spot and found the cattle tied up in the field. According to police, local residents told them that the animals had allegedly been kept without adequate food and water for around two days.
Police seized the 15 cattle, collectively valued at around Rs 2.80 lakh, and shifted them to a gaushala for their safety.
An offence has been registered against unidentified persons at New Kamptee police station. Police are now attempting to identify those responsible for bringing the cattle to the field and allegedly preparing them for further transportation.
The two incidents have brought renewed attention to the illegal movement of cattle through Nagpur and adjoining areas, with police stepping up action on information regarding suspected trafficking and slaughter-bound consignments.
