Keonjhar: A cattle smuggler sustained critical injuries in an encounter with police forces in Kulabhakuni village under Harichandanpur police station of Keonjhar district today.
According to reports, police stopped five cattle-laden trucks on a forest road in Kulabhakuni village last night, leading to an exchange of fire between the cattle mafia and police.
One smuggler identified as identified as Arif Khan was seriously injured in the retaliatory firing by police. He has been admitted to Keonjhar District Headquarters Hospital.
Police have seized three pick-up vans loaded with cattle, while two vehicles are reported to have fled the scene. Other cattle smugglers are believed to have escaped before police could apprehend them. The seized vehicles were allegedly headed towards West Bengal.
An investigation into the incident is underway.
