Udupi: Hiriyadka Police Station arrested two persons on charges of allegedly stealing a calf with the intention of selling it to a slaughterhouse at Perdoor village. The incident was reported on February 17.
The accused have been identified as Raghavendra (36), a resident of Mathrushree Nilaya, Padigara, Perdoor village, and Sudheendra Shetty (36), a resident of Neelashree, Perdoor village. According to the police, the duo allegedly stole a calf from a field located in front of a temple at Perdoor and attempted to transport the animal in an autorickshaw bearing registration number KA 20 AA 9306.
Calf allegedly stolen from field
Police said the calf belonged to a local resident and had been tethered in a field near the temple premises. The accused allegedly removed the animal from the field and loaded it into the autorickshaw with the intention of transporting it to a slaughterhouse.
Based on a complaint filed in this regard, a case was registered at the Hiriyadka police station. Acting swiftly, police launched an investigation to trace the vehicle and identify those involved.
Officials said the autorickshaw used in the alleged crime was intercepted and seized as part of the operation. The calf was also recovered.
Police team forms special squad
The investigation was carried out under the direction of Udupi Sub-Division Deputy Superintendent of Police Belliappa KU and the guidance of Brahmavar Circle Inspector Gopikrishna.
A police team led by PSI (Law and Order) Puneeth Kumar BE and PSI (Investigation) Vitthal Malawadkar, along with staff members ASI Shailesh Kumar and Ramesh, conducted the operation that led to the arrest of the accused.
Police sources said the swift action helped prevent the animal from being transported further. They added that further inquiries are under way to ascertain whether the accused were involved in similar offences in the past.
Produced before court
The accused were produced before the jurisdictional court, which remanded them to 15 days of judicial custody. Police said they are continuing their investigation to gather additional evidence and verify the sequence of events leading to the alleged theft.
The case has drawn attention in the locality, with residents expressing concern over the safety of livestock in rural areas. Police have advised cattle owners to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements in their neighbourhoods.
Further investigation is in progress.