Police rescue 23 animals in two cases of illegal transport in Nagpur

Police rescued a total of 23 animals in two separate incidents in Nagpur and surrounding areas. The action followed information that the animals were being transported illegally and were suspected to be headed for a slaughterhouse.

The first action took place at Ansar Nagar in the Mominpura area. Tehsil police stopped a Bolero pickup near Abbu Miyan Masjid. It is alleged that eight animals were being carried in it, packed tightly and cruelly. Police freed the eight animals.

Acting on a tip about illegal transport, police stopped the vehicle, registration number MH-49-D-1326, and searched it. The eight animals were reportedly found tied with rope and packed so tightly into the vehicle that there was hardly any room for them to move.

Police untied all the animals. Property worth about Rs 4.30 lakh was seized, comprising the animals, valued at about Rs 80,000, and the pickup, valued at Rs 3.50 lakh.

Police have arrested Bhushan alias Ranjit Mahadev Ramteke, a resident of Dongri in Mauda taluka, in the case. Cases have also been registered against Mohammed Sharif Qureshi and Mohammed Shahbaz Qureshi.

The second incident took place in Neri village. It is alleged that 15 animals were kept tied in a field near the Nagoba temple. Police had received information that the animals had been kept there to be taken to a slaughterhouse.

When a police team reached the spot, the animals were found tied in the field. According to police, local residents told them that the animals had allegedly been kept for about two days without adequate fodder and water.

Police took the 15 animals into custody. Their total value is about Rs 2.80 lakh. They were moved to a gaushala (cow shelter) for their safety.

A case has been registered against unknown persons at New Kamptee police station. Police are now trying to find out who brought the animals to the field and who readied them for onward transport.

The two incidents have again drawn attention to the illegal transport of animals from Nagpur and neighbouring areas. Police have stepped up action on information about suspected smuggling and animals being taken for slaughter. The animals have been rescued in both cases.