Udupi: Hiriyadka police have arrested two men for allegedly stealing four cattle from Kukkuje village in Karkala taluk and transporting the animals illegally for sale to a slaughterhouse. Police rescued the cattle and seized the goods tempo allegedly used to transport them.
The incident came to light on October 9, 2026, when police received information at around 7.30 pm that cattle were being transported illegally in a goods tempo bearing registration number KA 20 AA 5197 from the Harikhande side towards Hiriyadka.
According to police, the vehicle was spotted near Kotnakatte in Bommarabettu village. When officers signalled the driver to stop, the driver allegedly ignored the signal and continued towards Hiriyadka. Police subsequently intercepted the vehicle near the Hiriyadka police station junction at Anjaru.
During inspection, officers found four cattle and two men inside the vehicle. The animals were allegedly being transported without the required permission and in a manner that caused them distress.
Two Men Arrested in Cattle Theft Case
The arrested men were identified as Abdul Sattar, 54, a resident of Sarkarigudde in Subhash Nagar, Kurkalu village, Kaup, and Yogish Naik, 49, a resident of Maladabettu, Innanje village, Kaup taluk. Yogish Naik reportedly claimed ownership of the goods tempo.
During questioning, the accused allegedly admitted to stealing the cattle while they were grazing near the house of Krishna Poojary, a resident of Palabettu in Kukkuje village, Karkala taluk.
Police said the men were allegedly transporting the animals to a slaughterhouse for sale. The four cattle were valued at approximately ₹20,000.
Cattle Allegedly Transported Cruelly
According to the police account, the cattle had been tied by their necks and legs using nylon ropes and transported in the goods tempo. The transportation was allegedly carried out without the necessary permission.
The manner in which the animals were reportedly tied and transported raised concerns about their welfare. Police rescued all four cattle during the operation.
The goods tempo allegedly used in the incident was valued at approximately ₹3 lakh. Both the vehicle and the rescued animals form part of the seizure associated with the case.
Police Intercept Vehicle After Receiving Information
The operation began after police received information about the suspected illegal transportation of cattle on October 9. Officers spotted the vehicle near Kotnakatte and attempted to stop it.
After the driver allegedly failed to comply with the signal, police alerted personnel and intercepted the tempo near the Hiriyadka police station junction at Anjaru.
The inspection led to the discovery of the four cattle and the arrest of the two men. Police subsequently proceeded with the investigation into the alleged theft and transportation of the animals.
Accused Remanded to Judicial Custody
The accused were produced before the court, which remanded them to judicial custody.
The operation was conducted under the leadership of Udupi Sub-Division Deputy Superintendent of Police Belliyappa and Circle Inspector Gopikrishna. Police Sub-Inspector Punit Kumar B. E. and other personnel also participated in the operation.
The case highlights police action against the alleged theft and unauthorised transportation of cattle in the Udupi district. Further proceedings will follow through the legal process.