Daijiworld Media Network - Jammu

Jammu, Mar 11: Police rescued 20 bovine animals allegedly being trafficked in a cruel manner in two separate operations in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir and arrested two suspects involved in cattle smuggling, officials said on Tuesday.

In the first operation, a police team intercepted a tractor fitted with a water tanker during naka checking under the jurisdiction of Rajbagh Police Station.

The vehicle, driven by Rashid Ali of Kathua, was moving suspiciously and was signalled to stop for checking. During inspection, police discovered seven bovine animals crammed inside the water tanker.

Officials said the animals, mostly cows, were rescued after an extensive operation in which two JCB machines and cutting equipment were used to break open the tanker and free the distressed animals.

A case of bovine smuggling has been registered against the accused under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, police said.

In another incident, a police team conducting naka checking at Londi Morh on the highway intercepted a suspicious truck travelling from Punjab towards Jammu.

During inspection, police found 13 bovines, including seven cows and six oxen, packed tightly in the vehicle in a cruel manner. The animals were rescued and the driver, identified as Muzammil of Saharanpur district in Uttar Pradesh, was arrested on the spot. The truck used for transportation was also seized.

Police said that in the two operations, a total of 20 bovine animals were rescued, two accused arrested and two vehicles impounded. Further investigation is underway.

Authorities said strict action is being taken to curb bovine smuggling in the district and urged the public to share information about suspected trafficking, assuring that the identity of informants would be kept confidential.