Cow Smuggling Operation Disguised as Military Cargo Disrupted in Himachal Pradesh

Busting a Cow Smuggling Racket

Munish Sood
MANDI:
Authorities in Himachal Pradesh have dismantled a suspected cow smuggling operation near Solang Valley in Manali, where a truck was apprehended carrying nine cows, two of which were found deceased. The smugglers attempted to disguise the animals, hidden beneath a tarpaulin, as military supplies. The truck was intercepted following a tip-off due to a foul odor emanating from the vehicle.

The truck, registered as JK02BS-6977, was stopped during a traffic jam caused by flash floods near the Snow Gallery in Solang Valley.

Devotees attending a Shrimad Bhagwat Katha at the nearby Nag Temple noticed the unpleasant smell and confronted the driver, who falsely claimed the cargo was 'Indian Army equipment.'

Growing suspicions led to an inspection, revealing nine cows crammed into the truck, with two already dead from inhumane conditions. The crowd quickly notified the police.

Arrests Made in Connection with the Smuggling

Three Jammu & Kashmir Residents Detained

Upon police arrival, three individuals from Jammu and Kashmir were arrested: Mohammad Masaan (35) from Kans Patta in Reasi, Mohammad Rafi (28) from Talwara in Reasi, and Mohammad Riyaz (23) from Bamlian in Rajouri.

All three have been charged under relevant sections of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, and the truck has been confiscated by the authorities.

Manali DSP KD Sharma confirmed that the suspects panicked when questioned about the odor. 'Initially, they misled locals by claiming the cargo was military property, but our inspection revealed the truth of illegal cow transportation,' he stated.

The presence of ear tags on the cows raises further concerns regarding their origin and the inability to trace their registered owners, suggesting a potentially organized smuggling operation.

Criticism of Government's Response

Former Minister Critiques State Government

Former Himachal Pradesh minister Govind Singh Thakur has condemned the state government's inaction regarding the increasing incidents of cow smuggling. 'It is alarming that a truck filled with cows, including two dead, was able to travel unnoticed. Despite the animals being ear-tagged, the government has failed to identify their rightful owners,' he remarked.

Thakur claimed that such occurrences are not isolated, citing several similar incidents reported by vigilant locals in recent times. 'Despite repeated warnings, the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government has neither implemented effective measures nor developed a solid policy to combat cow smuggling, reflecting serious administrative negligence,' he added.