Bidar, 26 April

An Illegal cattle smuggling racket has been unearthed in Bidar district, with BJP MLA Sharanu Salagar conducting a sudden raid on three goods vehicles carrying 23 cattle, allegedly on their way to a slaughterhouse.

The raid by the BJP MLA from Basavakalyan constituency on Sunday morning has brought to fore the alleged rampant illegal transportation of cattle in the district.

All the cattle have been rescued. The raid took place near Chitta Cross in Manthala village of Basavakalyan taluk in Bidar district. Acting on credible information that cattle were being transported illegally in three goods vehicles, Sharanu Salagar rushed to the spot and intercepted the vehicles.

Upon inspection, it was found that cows, calves, bulls, and buffalo calves were crammed into the vehicles without following even basic regulations, leaving them gasping for air.

In one vehicle alone, six large animals were packed tightly, leading to the death of a bull due to suffocation.

Salagar expressed outrage over the cruelty to cattle and reprimanded the drivers over ill treatment to the animals.

He blamed the Congress government in the state for allegedly giving a free hand to such operators.