Mangaluru: Kankanady Town police intercepted a lorry allegedly transporting cattle illegally near a Toyota car showroom in Padil during the early hours of Tuesday, September 22. Police rescued 17 cattle found inside the vehicle and arrested the lorry driver in connection with the case.
The police operation was carried out after officers received information about a lorry transporting cattle towards Mangaluru. A police team intercepted the vehicle while it was travelling from Adyar towards the city.
The incident has led to a case being registered under provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Police intercept lorry near Padil
According to the report, Kankanady Town PSI and police personnel were on their morning rounds when they received information about the movement of the suspected vehicle.
At around 6.30 am, police spotted a brown Eicher lorry travelling from Adyar towards Mangaluru. The officers followed the vehicle and intercepted it near the Toyota car showroom at Padil.
The driver remained inside the lorry when the police stopped the vehicle. However, another person travelling in the lorry reportedly jumped out and fled from the scene.
Police subsequently inspected the vehicle to determine what was being transported inside.
17 cattle found inside lorry
During the inspection, police found 17 cattle inside the lorry. The vehicle had been covered with a green tarpaulin.
According to police, the cattle had been tied tightly to the iron carriage of the lorry using ropes. The animals were reportedly placed in a cramped manner, with some positioned one above another.
Police said the manner in which the cattle were transported caused them considerable distress and breathing difficulties.
The 17 cattle were subsequently rescued from the vehicle. The lorry used for transportation was also seized as part of the investigation.
Driver arrested, two others absconding
The arrested driver has been identified as Sadiq G, 23, a resident of Vishwanath Nagar Layout in Hassan district.
Police also seized a mobile phone belonging to Sadiq along with the lorry and the cattle.
The police report identified two other persons allegedly involved in the incident as Subhan and Rehman. Both reportedly fled and remain absconding.
Efforts are underway to trace the two individuals and take them into custody. Further investigation is being conducted by the Kankanady Town police.
Case registered under multiple sections
A case has been registered at the Kankanady Town police station under Sections 11(A) and 11(D) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Police have also invoked Section 6 of the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act and Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The provisions cited in the case relate to the alleged treatment and transportation of the cattle as well as the other alleged offences recorded by the police.
The investigation will determine the circumstances surrounding the transportation and the roles of the persons who were allegedly involved.
Police continue search for absconding accused
Following the interception, police began efforts to locate the two persons who allegedly fled from the vehicle.
The police operation was based on information received during routine morning rounds. The interception near Padil allowed officers to stop the lorry before it proceeded further into Mangaluru.
The seized vehicle and mobile phone are expected to form part of the material being examined as the investigation progresses.
Police are also working to establish the circumstances under which the 17 cattle were being transported and identify the involvement of the persons named in the case.
Incident raises concerns over cattle transportation
The incident has once again brought attention to the manner in which cattle are transported in vehicles. The police alleged that the animals in this case had been tied and packed in a cramped manner inside the lorry.
Transporting animals in confined conditions can pose risks to their health and safety, particularly when vehicles travel for extended periods.
The case has been registered under animal-protection laws, and the investigation will establish the facts surrounding the alleged illegal transportation.
The authorities have not yet disclosed further details regarding the origin of the cattle or their intended destination.
Investigation underway
The Kankanady Town police are continuing their investigation into the case. While the driver has been arrested, the two other accused persons named in the case are yet to be traced.
The police have seized the lorry, the 17 cattle and the driver’s mobile phone. These items will form part of the investigation as officers work to establish the complete sequence of events.
Further details are expected as the investigation progresses and the remaining accused are traced.
Conclusion
Kankanady Town police intercepted a lorry near Padil in Mangaluru after receiving information about alleged illegal cattle transportation. Seventeen cattle were rescued from the vehicle, while driver Sadiq G, 23, was arrested. Two other accused persons, identified as Subhan and Rehman, reportedly fled and are being traced. A case has been registered under animal-protection laws and relevant provisions of the BNS.