According to reports, locals found a standing truck -- Eicher (WB 29 A 7798) -- at Mahidharpur Chowk early Tuesday morning -- around 5 am.
They didn't think too much about it until they heard some lowing (noise from cows). The locals then removed the cover of the truck finding out number of cows in there.
They quickly informed the police, who arrived at the scene and seized the truck and rescued the cows.
Initial investigation has revealed that the truck was coming from Badakera direction and was heading out of state via Athagarh.
However, some mechanical issues forced the truck driver and his associates stop the vehicle and flee from the scene.
Reportedly, Mahidharpur outpost official Kamalakhya Nayak has said that around 80 cows have been rescued. "The cattle were being smuggled to other state but mechanical issue forced the driver and his associates to leave the truck and flee from the scene," said Nayak.
Nayak said that locals, social workers and police joined hands to rescue the cattle. "As the cattle were in the truck, covered with tarpaulin, for a long time, they are being treated by veterinarians," he added.
The truck has also been seized. Nayak said that further investigation is underway and the smugglers will be arrested soon.
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