Bhubaneswar: A pickup van transporting cattle overturned on the Jatmundia–Subarnapur bridge within the Banki police limits in Odisha’s Cuttack district, prompting a swift rescue operation and raising suspicions of illegal cattle transportation.
According to police, the incident occurred when the heavily loaded vehicle lost control while crossing the bridge. Upon receiving information, Banki police quickly arrived at the scene and initiated a rescue operation, successfully recovering the animals from the damaged vehicle.
During the operation, police intercepted two additional vehicles travelling along the same route under suspicious circumstances. Upon inspection, both were found to be transporting cattle, further intensifying concerns about potential violations of transportation regulations.
In total, 35 cattle were rescued from the three vehicles. Police have detained two individuals for questioning in connection with the case.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the origin and destination of the cattle and to verify whether valid documentation and transport regulations were followed. Further legal action will be based on the findings of the investigation.
Mob Torches Two Vans Over Suspected Cattle Smuggling Near Pipili
In another incident, tension prevailed along the busy Puri–Bhubaneswar National Highway in Odisha when a group of locals set fire to two pickup vans allegedly transporting cattle near Satashankha in the Pipili area.
According to police, the incident occurred around 3:00 am on Saturday when locals intercepted the vehicles, identified as Bolero pickup vans, suspecting illegal cattle smuggling. The group reportedly stopped the vehicles, unloaded the cattle, and released them before setting both vans ablaze.
Fire brigade personnel from Pipili rushed to the scene after receiving information and managed to control the blaze. However, both vehicles were completely destroyed by the time the fire was extinguished.
Police teams arrived shortly thereafter and have launched an investigation to verify the allegations of cattle smuggling. Efforts are also underway to trace the owners and drivers of the vans, who fled during the incident.
