Cow Smuggling Case / 58 Cattle Rescued From Truck In Jajpur; Driver Flees

Jajpur, Sep 14: A truck carrying 58 cattle was seized near Jindal Gate under Kalinganagar police station limits in Jajpur district early in the morning on Monday, while the driver reportedly fled the spot.

According to a source, members of the Rashtriya Bajrang Dal and cow protection activists received information that a truck carrying a large number of cattle was passing through Jindal Gate during the early hours. Acting on the information, they reached the area and intercepted the vehicle.

After finding cattle inside the truck, they informed Kalinganagar police. A police team soon reached the spot and took the vehicle into custody.

58 Cattle Sent To Sukinda
Police rescued all 58 cattle from the truck and subsequently shifted them to a cow shelter (Goshala) in Sukinda, according to the information available.

Meanwhile, the driver managed to flee before police could apprehend him, the source added.

The circumstances surrounding the transportation of the cattle remain unclear. Police have launched an investigation to ascertain where the cattle were brought from and where they were being taken.

Also Read: Orangutan Smuggling Probe: Has Mastermind Jayanta Maiti Fled to Jharkhand?

What Does The Law Say?
Under the Orissa Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, 1960, a person who contravenes, attempts to contravene or abets a violation of the Act's prohibition on cow slaughter can face rigorous imprisonment of up to two years, a fine of up to Rs 1,000, or both. Separately, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and rules governing the transport of animals can apply where cattle are transported in a manner that causes unnecessary pain or suffering.