Meerut (UP), February 18 A man accused of cattle smuggling was arrested in a wounded condition following a brief encounter with police in the Meerut district, officials said on Wednesday.
Police claimed to have recovered an illegal country-made pistol, cartridges, and tools allegedly used for animal slaughter and meat from his possession.
According to police, a late-night check on Tuesday and a patrol drive were underway in the Kithaur area when information was received that animal meat was stored in three sacks at a well in the forest area of Baheroda village.
A police team rushed to the spot and searched a room near the well, where slaughtering tools and three sacks containing meat and animal hide were allegedly recovered.
Police said that while searching for suspects in the area, shots were fired at the police party from behind the room. In retaliatory firing, one of the accused, Basreef (30) of Baheroda village, sustained a bullet injury and was apprehended.
Five to six other suspects managed to flee under the cover of darkness, police said.
An illegal .315 bore country-made pistol, a spent cartridge, and animal slaughtering equipment were recovered from the arrested accused, police added.
The injured accused has been admitted to the Community Health Centre in Kithaur for treatment. Further legal proceedings are underway, officials said.
