Bantwal: The Bantwal Rural Police have cracked a cattle theft case reported from Kanchenadka Padu in Ira village, leading to the arrest of a habitual offender involved in multiple thefts across Dakshina Kannada and neighbouring districts.
Case reported in March
On 23 March 2025, a cow worth around ₹12,000 went missing from a cowshed in Kanchenadka Padu. The owner immediately lodged a complaint at Bantwal Rural Police Station, prompting the initiation of an investigation.
Police teams examined local leads and scrutinised previous cases of cattle theft in the region. After months of follow-up and surveillance, the accused was traced to Azad Nagar in Mangaluru.
Arrest and criminal background
The accused, identified as Irshad, was taken into custody following a successful operation by the Bantwal Rural Police. Preliminary investigation revealed that he has been involved in more than 15 cases of cattle theft and illegal transportation of cattle across Dakshina Kannada and other districts.
Police sources indicated that the accused had been part of a network engaged in organised cattle theft and transport for illegal sale. Officials are now probing the extent of his involvement and whether other associates are still at large.
Judicial custody and further investigation
Irshad was produced before the Bantwal Court, which remanded him to judicial custody. Police have stated that further investigation is underway to trace additional stolen cattle and identify potential accomplices.
Authorities are also examining whether the accused was linked to cases of cattle smuggling, given the repeated nature of offences and the cross-district operations involved.
Police operation and leadership
The operation was carried out under the guidance of Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police (SP) Dr Arun K, IPS, Additional SP Anil Kumar S Bhoomaraddi, and Bantwal DySP Vijay Pusad.
The team was led by Bantwal Rural Police Inspector Shivakumar B, with PSI Manjunath T, PSI Krishnakant Patil, Head Constables Prashanth, Lokesh, Krishna Naik, and Police Constables Maruti and Haleshappa forming the core investigation squad.
Impact on local law enforcement
Authorities have stated that the arrest marks a significant step in curbing cattle theft in rural areas, which has been a persistent concern for local farmers and livestock owners. The police have assured strict action against offenders and promised enhanced surveillance to deter similar crimes.
Conclusion
The successful arrest of Irshad highlights the coordinated efforts of the Bantwal Rural Police in addressing rural crimes and protecting the interests of livestock owners. With further investigation underway, authorities are hopeful of recovering more stolen cattle and dismantling illegal transportation networks.