Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, May 15: In a swift operation, Mangaluru City police arrested two persons and seized a vehicle after intercepting alleged illegal cattle transportation under the limits of Moodbidri police station on Thursday, May 14.
According to police, PSI Krishnappa and his team were on routine patrol duty around 7 am when they received credible information that cattle were being illegally transported in a Maruti Brezza vehicle from Beluvai towards Marnaad–Aliyur.
Acting swiftly on the tip-off, the team reached Gundukallu Cross in Padumarnad village of Moodbidri taluk and began vehicle checks. At around 7.30 am, a grey Maruti Brezza bearing registration number KA-19 MK 4265 approached from the Beluvai side. When officers signalled the driver to stop, the vehicle allegedly ignored instructions and sped away.
Police immediately launched a chase, following the vehicle until it turned into a narrow road near Gundukallu 5 Saints area and entered the compound of a house belonging to Saahul Hameed, where it was eventually brought to a halt.
The driver, identified as Mohammed Arif, a known history-sheeter of Moodbidri police station limits, along with his associate Imran alias Ibrahim of Gantalakatte, allegedly jumped out of the vehicle and attempted to flee. However, alert police personnel pursued and apprehended them on the spot.
On inspection, officers found one male calf inside the vehicle. The rear seat had been removed, and the animal was allegedly tied tightly with ropes around its legs and head and covered with a blue plastic sheet, indicating inhumane handling during transport.
Preliminary investigation suggests the accused had been collecting cattle from different locations over the past week and transporting them to Gundukallu in Padumarnad village, where they were allegedly being assembled for slaughter and sale of meat or for further sale to third parties for slaughter purposes.
Police seized the Maruti Brezza car, rescued the calf, and took both accused into custody for further legal proceedings.
Previous cases against accused
Police said Mohammed Arif has multiple prior criminal cases registered against him at various police stations, including Bajpe police station, Banakal police station and Moodbidri police station. His record includes cases under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, the Animal Cruelty Act and the Motor Vehicles Act, with several cases pending trial or investigation.
Similarly, Imran alias Ibrahim also has multiple cases registered against him at Moodbidri, Karkala Town and other jurisdictional limits, including offences under the NDPS Act and Karnataka Police Act provisions.