Udupi: Police have arrested two men in connection with an incident where they allegedly attempted to run over policemen during a cattle-smuggling operation near the Hejamadi toll plaza.
Arrest of accused
The arrested have been identified as Mohammad Azeem of Kaup and Mohammad Razik of Bajpe. Officials said the duo had escaped to Tamil Nadu and Kerala after the incident on August 5, but were tracked down and arrested on their return to the district on September 5.
A third suspect, Sharoz, was apprehended on the day of the incident itself and produced before a court.
Incident at toll plaza
According to Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar, the incident unfolded when Gangolli police, acting on a tip-off, intercepted an SUV carrying stolen cattle near the tollgate.
The suspects, in a bid to evade capture, allegedly tried to ram the vehicle into police officers and a toll patrol car. During the confrontation, Sub-Inspector Basavaraj Kanashetty was knocked down and sustained injuries, while Constable Sandeep was hurt while attempting to stop the vehicle.
The SUV, reportedly carrying four to five stolen cattle, was being transported illegally from Gangolli to Mangaluru for slaughter.
Background of accused
Police said that all three suspects have pending cases of cow lifting across different police stations in three coastal districts of Karnataka.
Further investigation underway
A senior police officer confirmed that both men are now in custody and further legal procedures are in progress. The case involves charges of illegal cattle transportation and endangering law enforcement personnel.