Jammu, March 10 Police on Tuesday rescued 20 bovine animals that were allegedly being illegally transported in a water tanker and a truck in two separate operations in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, and arrested two suspects for their involvement in cattle smuggling, officials said.
In the first operation, a police team intercepted a tractor with a water tanker during routine checks in the Rajbagh police station area, officials said.
The vehicle, driven by Rashid Ali of Kathua, was moving suspiciously and was signaled to stop for inspection, they said.
During the inspection, police found seven bovine animals crammed inside the water tanker, they said.
The animals, mostly cows, were rescued following a thorough operation during which two JCB machines and cutting equipment were used to break open the tanker and free the distressed animals, police said.
A case of bovine smuggling and under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act was registered against the accused, they said.
In another incident, a police team conducting routine checks on the highway at Londi Morh intercepted a suspicious truck coming from the direction of Punjab towards Jammu, officials said.
During inspection, police found 13 bovines, including seven cows and six oxen, packed tightly in the vehicle in a cruel manner, they said.
The animals were rescued, the driver -- identified as Muzammil of Saharanpur district in Uttar Pradesh -- was arrested on the spot, and the truck was seized, they said, adding that police registered a case for bovine smuggling and added provisions under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
During the two operations, a total of 20 bovine animals were rescued, two accused were arrested, and two vehicles were impounded, police said, adding that further investigation is underway.
Police said strict action is being taken to curb bovine smuggling in the district and urged the public to share information on suspected trafficking, assuring that the identity of informants will be kept confidential.