Mangaluru: Police have arrested three persons in connection with a case of cattle theft reported near Thumbay in Bantwal rural police station limits on August 14. The remains of the stolen cattle were recovered in the same locality the next day, August 15.
Arrests and charges filed
The Bantwal Rural Police registered a case under Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Sections 4 and 12 of the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020, and Section 11(D) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
The arrested men have been identified as:
- Irshad (34), resident of Chembugudde, Ullal
- Mohammed Mansoor (48), resident of Kudroli, Mangaluru
- Abdul Azeem (18), resident of Kannur, Mangaluru
They were taken into custody on September 5.
Links to another case
During interrogation, police found that the accused were also involved in another cattle theft case registered at Uppinangady Police Station on September 4. That case was booked under Sections 331(4) and 305 of the BNS, along with provisions of the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020.
Officials confirmed that investigations into both cases are in progress.
Misinformation case in Bantwal taluk
Meanwhile, police also booked a man for allegedly spreading false information and attempting to disrupt communal harmony in connection with another cattle theft incident in Bantwal taluk.
On the night of September 4, miscreants reportedly stole and killed cattle from a shed near a house in Kadambu, Perne village. During discussions on the incident, one Narasimha Shetty Mani allegedly circulated a video on social media containing misleading statements and provocative remarks intended to create enmity between communities.
According to the police, such content has the potential to damage communal harmony and spread fear among the public. A case was registered against him at Bantwal Rural Police Station, and further legal action is underway.
Conclusion
Police are treating both the cattle theft cases and the spread of misinformation with seriousness, stressing that such incidents not only amount to criminal activity but can also disturb peace in sensitive areas. Investigations are continuing to trace wider networks, if any, behind these incidents.