Bhadrak: Tension gripped the area near Bhatatira railway station level crossing under Sabarang police station limits in Bhadrak district on Sunday after irate locals set a vehicle ablaze over alleged illegal cattle transportation.
According to preliminary reports, a van transporting cattle in cramped and inhumane conditions was intercepted by local residents while proceeding from Sabarang towards Mirzapur. The animals were reportedly tied tightly inside the vehicle, fuelling suspicions of cattle trafficking.
Enraged by the discovery, the locals set the van on fire at the spot. More than six cattle were rescued from the vehicle before it was torched.
The driver of the van managed to flee from the scene immediately after the confrontation. Fire services personnel from Bhadrak rushed to the location and brought the blaze under control.
Sabarang police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident.
