Mangaluru: Police in Moodbidri taluk arrested three persons after intercepting a Tata Ace container vehicle near Hosmaru–Nellikaru on November 17, following credible information about illegal cattle movement. The accused were allegedly transporting cattle in violation of multiple laws governing animal welfare and cattle preservation.

Interception and arrests

A police team on patrol stopped the Tata Ace vehicle and found three cattle being transported illegally. The arrested men were identified as Mansoor Adyapady alias Mohammad Mansoor, Mohammad Ashwad, and Abdul Mohammad Nisham. Police said that the transportation did not comply with legal requirements and amounted to cruelty and unlawful movement of cattle.

Multiple cases against key accused

According to investigators, Mansoor Adyapady, the prime accused, is a habitual offender with 29 previous cases registered against him in different police stations. With this arrest, he now faces his 30th case.

The second accused, Mohammad Ashwad, has one previous case registered in Ullal under cow slaughter prohibition laws, making this his second offence.

For the third accused, Abdul Mohammad Nisham, this is the first case booked by police.

Case registered under multiple laws

A case has been registered at the Moodbidri police station under Crime No. 178/2025. The sections invoked include:

  • Section 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
  • Section 11(1)(d) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act
  • Sections 4, 5, 7, and 12 of the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Ordinance

Police said the charges fall under provisions relating to organised crime, given the repeated involvement of at least two of the accused in similar offences.

Judicial remand

Following the arrests, all three accused were produced before court, which subsequently remanded them to judicial custody. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether the trio is linked to a larger illegal cattle transport network operating in the region.

Conclusion

The Moodbidri arrests highlight continued police vigilance against illegal cattle transport in coastal Karnataka. Authorities have indicated that surveillance and enforcement will remain tightened in the region to curb organised cattle movement and prevent violations of animal welfare laws.