Bangiriposi (Mayurbhanj): A suspected cattle smuggling bid was foiled in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district after police intercepted an oil tanker allegedly carrying more than 20 cattle early Sunday, police said.
Acting on information provided by local residents, police intercepted the tanker near the Punasia Railway Bridge under the jurisdiction of Bangiriposi police station.
According to preliminary information, the tanker was allegedly being used to transport the cattle illegally. The vehicle was reportedly travelling at high speed from Bisoi towards Kalabadia village when some locals became suspicious of its movement.
The residents followed the tanker and alerted Bangiriposi police. Acting promptly on the information, police pursued the vehicle and intercepted it near the Punasia Railway Bridge.
The driver and helper of the tanker were taken into custody and are being questioned in connection with the incident, police said.
More than 20 cattle were reportedly found inside the tanker during the interception.
Police have launched an investigation to ascertain the source of the cattle, their intended destination and the involvement of others in the alleged smuggling operation.
Further investigation is underway.
