In a significant crackdown on cattle smuggling, Jharkhand Police rescued around 200 cattle in the Garhwa district, following a tip-off from members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal.
Initially, due to a lack of immediate shelter, the cattle were kept within the police station premises. By September 5 night, the animals were relocated to a cow shelter located approximately 55 kilometres away in Palamu district.
According to reports, the cattle were being smuggled from Uttar Pradesh to Jharkhand in a large container truck. VHP and Bajrang Dal members, who had received intelligence about the illegal transport, alerted the police. The smugglers reportedly brought the cattle to Nawada village in Garhwa district, where they were offloaded and moved via a side route running along a railway line to avoid detection.
It was at this point that members of the VHP and Bajrang Dal intercepted the operation in Nawada village, leading to the rescue by police. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the smuggling network.
Members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal have alleged that they were attacked by suspected cattle smugglers while escorting rescued cattle from Nawada village to the Garhwa police station. According to their account, three individuals on a motorcycle confronted them during the transfer. Police reportedly arrived just in time and managed to detain two of the three individuals, as per some reports.
Sonu Singh, the District Head of Bajrang Dal, said that the cattle were being transported for slaughter. Speaking to media, Singh said the animals were being smuggled in small groups, some even being forced to walk on foot from Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. He stated that around 250 cattle were rescued during the operation.
According to Singh, the smugglers attempted to flee under the cover of darkness, but three individuals were apprehended. He also alleged that the smugglers tried to attack both the police and the Gaurakshaks during the incident. “Three men were caught as they tried to attack from behind. Many others managed to escape due to the limited police presence. Imagine, a district headquarters police station had only six personnel on duty during such a major incident,” he said.
According to Sonu Singh, the rescued cattle were in a “deplorable condition,” with many suffering from severe injuries and unable to stand. He claimed the animals had been crammed into container trucks far beyond their capacity. “Trucks meant to carry a dozen animals were packed with 17 to 20. It was inhuman,” Singh told the sources. Bajrang Dal members reportedly provided fodder and water to the rescued animals.
Singh also alleged that influential individuals were involved in the cattle smuggling operation. He claimed there was pressure on the police to avoid filing an FIR and instead target those trying to protect the cattle. “There is pressure not to register FIRs, to release the animals, and to file false cases against cow protectors,” Singh said. “We will take this matter to the High Court and demand a CBI investigation.”
