Bajpe: Bajpe police have arrested eight members of a gang allegedly involved in cattle theft and the illegal transportation and sale of animals from various areas under the police station limits. The arrests were made following investigations into three separate cases registered in recent weeks, police said.
Three cases lead to multiple arrests
Police officials said the accused were involved in stealing cattle from villages such as Kenjaru, Karambaru and Bhatrakere and transporting them illegally, allegedly for sale of meat. Based on complaints and follow-up investigations, Bajpe police traced the suspects and carried out coordinated arrests.
All the accused have been produced before the court, and further investigation is under way to identify whether more people are involved in the racket.
Jersey cow theft case from Bhatrakere
In connection with a case registered in July, in which a Jersey cow worth about ₹50,000 was stolen near the Bhatrakere mosque close to Bajpe, police arrested three persons.
The arrested accused have been identified as Mansoor Adyapadi (42), a resident of Adyapadi Site; Mohammed Ashwad (25) of Thokkottu–Permannoor village; and Rilwan Ahmed alias Rillu (26) of Kotekepura in Ullal taluk.
During the investigation, police seized a car worth approximately ₹5 lakh that was allegedly used in the commission of the offence.
Eight cows stolen near Kenjaru goshala
In another case, police arrested two persons in connection with the theft of eight cows that were left grazing near the Kapila Goshale in Kenjaru village on December 12.
The accused in this case are Hasanabba (40) of Jokatte–Tokuru village and Mohammed Rafiq (56) of Jokatte. Police said a Pulsar motorcycle used by the accused was seized during the operation.
Six cows stolen and transported cruelly
In a third case dated December 20, police arrested three persons for allegedly stealing six cows from Karambaru village and attempting to transport them in a cruel manner for illegal sale.
The accused were identified as Abdul Rahiman Shafeer (21) of Karambaru in Kenjaru village, Hasan Sajjad (18) of Pejavara, and A.K. Ahmed Adil (20), a native of Kenjaru village who is presently residing at Kinnigadavu.
Police said the accused attempted to transport the cattle using an Omni goods vehicle and a Tata vehicle. Both vehicles have been seized as part of the investigation.
Vehicles seized, probe continues
Police have seized all vehicles allegedly used in the cattle thefts and illegal transportation. Officials said efforts are under way to determine whether the accused were part of a larger organised network involved in cattle theft and illegal meat trade.
Investigators are also examining past incidents in nearby areas to check for similar patterns and possible links to the arrested persons.
Conclusion
The arrests have brought some relief to cattle owners in the region, who have been raising concerns over repeated thefts in recent months. Police said strict action would be taken against those involved and appealed to the public to report suspicious activities related to cattle theft or illegal transportation promptly.