Mira Road Crime: Cattle Smugglers Arrested, 7 Buffalo Calves Rescued from Autorickshaw | File Photo
Mumbai: Police, with the help of activists from Hindu Vahini and Bajrang Dal, chased cattle smugglers last night at Mira Road and rescued seven buffalo calves that were being transported in cruel conditions. Three men from Kashi-Mira have been arrested and charged under various sections of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Rules and Transport of Animal Rules.
The male calves, which are reported to be two days old, were tied with ropes and stuffed into sacks hidden inside an autorickshaw. One of the calves was found dead.
An FIR has been registered at Kashigaon police station. The police said they received information from the animal rights activists that a rickshaw was being used to transport animals illegally from Pelhar, Vasai to Mira Road. Based on this information, police laid a trap at Sai Palace Hotel, near the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway.
“At around 4.20am, a black and yellow rickshaw was spotted speeding towards Mumbai. When we signaled the driver to stop, he refused and sped away. We chased the rickshaw up to Nilkamal Naka and finally managed to stop it. Upon inspection, we found that the rickshaw was carrying animals hidden under a black cover,” said police.
Police added that when they questioned the driver, he said was transporting buffalo calves. However, upon further investigation, it was revealed that the calves were being transported illegally.
Ramnik Gupta, Go Raksha Pramukh, Hindu Vahini, said the calves were being taken to Naya Nagar, Mira Road, for butchering. “We believe the calves were stolen from somewhere. Nobody sells calves that are just two days old,” said Gupta.
Police have seized the rickshaw and the animals, and further action is being taken in accordance with the law. Maharshtra prohibits slaughter of cows, bulls and bullocks useful for milch, breeding, draught or agricultural purposes, with exceptions made only with a special licence.
The surviving calves have been sent to the Jivadaya Mandali Sakvar Goshala, an animal shelter in Virar.
