Bengaluru: A 40-year-old cow owner and milkman has been booked by Bengaluru traffic police after his livestock allegedly obstructed traffic on the Outer Ring Road near Kalamandir junction in Marathahalli.

Santosh E will have to appear before a local court, where he is expected to pay a fine if the case is closed.

Cows disrupt traffic on ORR

The Airport Traffic Police registered the case after receiving repeated complaints about cows standing and moving on the busy road.

A senior police officer said commuters, including professionals travelling to work, had also shared photographs and videos of cows blocking the road on social media.

On the morning of August 10, a police staffer, Nagendra N, was sent to the location after another complaint was received. Officers found around eight to 10 cows at different points along the Outer Ring Road, with some standing or walking in the middle of the carriageway.

Police traced the animals to Santosh and contacted him. He subsequently arrived and took the cows away.

Police warn of cattle seizure

Police said Santosh was informed that while the latest incident had resulted in a case being registered, repeated violations could lead to the cattle being seized.

The police are expected to submit a charge sheet in the coming days. Santosh will then have to appear before the court and pay the fine determined by the court.

The case was registered under the provision relating to causing danger or obstruction in a public way or line of navigation.

Earlier incidents reported in Bengaluru

The action follows similar incidents involving stray or unattended cattle on Bengaluru roads.

In the last week of June, police registered an FIR against unidentified livestock owners after a herd of cows disrupted traffic around Market Circle in KR Market.

Police said the animals had not only obstructed traffic but also posed a risk to commuters around SJP Road and nearby areas.

There have reportedly been instances of motorists meeting with accidents after cows suddenly ran onto roads while fighting or were startled by passing vehicles. Shopkeepers and assistants attempting to drive the animals away have also reportedly been attacked.

Following the repeated incidents, senior police officers had warned that owners would face cases if their cattle were allowed to roam on city roads.