Beltangady: Acting on a tip-off regarding alleged illegal cow slaughter, the Uppinangady police conducted a late-night raid at Baraya village in Beltangady taluk and seized 56 kg of beef along with equipment and a vehicle reportedly used in the activity. Two suspects fled the scene, and efforts are under way to trace and apprehend them.

The operation was carried out on the night of February 26 after police received credible information that cattle were being slaughtered illegally at a house in Hosavaklu area of Baraya village.

Late-night raid in Baraya village

According to police, Sub-Inspector Suthesh K P of the Uppinangady Police Station led the team that reached the premises belonging to H Abdul Rahiman.

Upon noticing the arrival of the police, two individuals who were present at the location reportedly fled from the spot. Despite attempts to chase them, they managed to escape under the cover of darkness.

During the inspection of the house premises, officers found beef being packed into small sachets. The police also searched an autorickshaw parked nearby and discovered additional packets of meat inside the vehicle.

A total of 56 kg of beef was recovered during the raid. The meat was seized as evidence.

Seizure of equipment and vehicle

In addition to the meat, the police seized a weighing machine allegedly used to measure and pack the beef, the autorickshaw used for transportation, a mobile phone and other related items from the premises.

Officials stated that the seized materials would be produced before the court as part of the ongoing investigation. The autorickshaw has also been taken into custody as it is suspected to have been used to transport the meat.

Police sources said that proper procedures were followed while conducting the seizure and documentation process.

Case registered under Cattle Act and BNS

A case has been registered at the Uppinangady Police Station under Crime No. 27/2026. The charges have been invoked under Sections 4 and 12 of the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020, and Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

The Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020, prohibits the slaughter of cattle and prescribes stringent penalties for violations. Section 3(5) of the BNS relates to common intention in the commission of offences.

Police said that the legal process is being strictly followed in the case.

Premises sealed, hunt for accused continues

In a stern move after completing the required legal formalities, the police seized the house premises allegedly used for slaughtering cattle. Officials stated that the property belonging to H Abdul Rahiman was attached as part of the investigation.

The police are now working to trace the suspects who fled the spot during the raid. Teams have been formed to gather information about their whereabouts and possible involvement of others in the alleged activity.

Investigators are also examining whether the seized meat was intended for sale in nearby areas. The mobile phone recovered from the premises will be analysed to gather further evidence.

Investigation under way

Police officials maintained that the action was taken based on specific information and that the investigation would determine the extent of the alleged illegal operation. They said that strict action would be taken against those found guilty under the provisions of the law.

The incident has once again brought attention to enforcement of the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act in rural parts of Dakshina Kannada district.

Further updates are awaited as the investigation progresses and efforts continue to apprehend the accused.