Seven suspected cattle smugglers were arrested and several dozen animals rescued in a joint operation between the Border Security Force (BSF) and local police, iT was informed today.
Acting on a specific tip-off, troops of the 22nd Battalion BSF observed suspicious movement of vehicles during routine border patrolling. The BSF launched a joint operation with the local police, resulting in the interception of five pickup trucks.
Upon inspection, the vehicles were found to be transporting a total of 76 cattle – 43 alive and 33 dead – in extremely inhumane and unhygienic conditions. The operation also led to the apprehension of seven Indian nationals involved in the illegal act. One of the apprehended individuals was injured (the BSF said he fell out of fear) at the time of being apprehended and was sent for medical treatment.
Three walkie-talkie sets were recovered from the apprehended individuals, indicating their coordinated efforts. It was observed that the accused were using these wireless devices to communicate and coordinate the movement of vehicles – a common tactic employed by cross-border smugglers, the BSF said.
During initial questioning, the suspects failed to produce any valid documents regarding the ownership or commercial transport of the cattle. All seized items and the individuals have been handed over to the police for further investigation and legal action.
