In a major crackdown against cattle theft and smuggling, police in South Tripura seized two cattle-laden vehicles in the Belonia subdivision of South Tripura district on Friday morning. However, the drivers managed to flee from the spot.
Sources said that several incidents of cattle theft had recently been reported across the Belonia subdivision, triggering anger among local residents. Villagers had even staged road blockades protesting the alleged inaction of the police. Various political organizations had also submitted deputations to the District Superintendent of Police demanding stricter action against cattle smuggling and increased police patrolling.
Following the growing pressure, the South District police administration intensified its anti-smuggling operations. Officers from different police stations and outposts were directed to launch a crackdown on cattle smugglers.
Acting on secret information, police personnel led by the officers-in-charge of Jolaibari police station, Belonia police station, and Hrishyamukh police outpost conducted surveillance at multiple locations early Friday morning.
During the operation, police became suspicious after spotting two vehicles bearing registration numbers TR03J 1743 and TR03D 2222 near Shyamali Bazar under Hrishyamukh Assembly constituency. A search of vehicle TR03J 1743 led to the recovery of several cattle, while the second vehicle, TR03D 2222, was detained on suspicion of escorting the smuggling operation.
Although both vehicles were seized, the drivers escaped before police could apprehend them.
Speaking to reporters at his office on Friday afternoon, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Belonia police station Sanjit Sen said that the cattle were allegedly being transported from Jamjuri Market in Udaipur through Jolaibari and Hrishyamukh towards Belonia for smuggling purposes. Police managed to rescue the cattle before they could be smuggled, he added.
The officer further informed that a case has been registered under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Motor Vehicles Act on suspicion that the cattle were stolen. An investigation has been initiated, and a search operation is underway to trace the absconding drivers.
Notably, police had previously intercepted several cattle-laden vehicles in the region, but in most cases, the drivers and alleged smugglers managed to evade arrest.