Keonjhar, Jun 22: Tension flared near Dhipasahi under Baria police limits in Keonjhar district today when local residents intercepted three pickup vans allegedly transporting cattle.

The vehicles, reportedly en route through the area, were stopped by the group, who were returning from a religious procession.

While several suspects fled the scene, two alleged cattle smugglers were apprehended and handed over to the police.

A total of 25 cows were rescued from the vehicles and placed under police custody. The incident caused a brief period of unrest in the area before law enforcement restored order.

Police have detained the two suspects and launched an investigation into the smuggling operation, on the other hand, the rescued cattle are expected to be relocated to a nearby shelter.

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