Cow Slaughter Accused Shot and Arrested After Police Encounter in Azamgarh
In a dramatic late-night operation, a man accused of cow slaughter was shot in the leg and subsequently arrested following an encounter with police in Azamgarh district. The incident occurred early Saturday morning near Tarkulha village, where law enforcement officers engaged with alleged cattle smugglers. While one suspect was apprehended, his accomplice managed to flee the scene, evading capture.
Police Action Based on Informer Tip-Off
Budhanpur Circle Officer Ajay Kumar Singh revealed that the operation was initiated after informers provided crucial intelligence to Ahraula police officers. The tip-off indicated that cattle smugglers, reportedly involved in butchering stray animals, were moving through the Nizampur area towards Sahraja-Tarkulha during nighttime patrols. Acting swiftly on this information, police units cordoned off the suspected route to intercept the perpetrators.
When police attempted to stop two individuals on a motorcycle near Tarkulha village, the suspects allegedly opened fire in a bid to escape. In response, officers returned fire in what has been described as retaliatory action. During the exchange, one of the accused sustained a bullet injury to his leg and was immediately taken into custody. His associate, however, exploited the chaos to disappear into the night.
Recovery of Evidence and Suspect Identification
Following the encounter, police conducted a thorough search of the area and recovered significant evidence. Items seized included one country-made pistol, several cartridges, and the motorcycle used by the suspects. The injured individual was identified as Dilshad, also known as Lalu, and was promptly transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. His condition is reported to be stable under police supervision.
During initial interrogation, Dilshad cooperated with authorities and disclosed the identity of his escaped companion as Zakir, alias Shaif. This information has been logged, and a manhunt is currently underway to locate and apprehend the fugitive suspect.
Details of Illegal Cattle Slaughter and Smuggling Ring
Under questioning by police, Dilshad provided detailed insights into the operations of his alleged criminal network. He confessed that he and his gang specifically targeted stray cattle for slaughter and subsequent smuggling. Their modus operandi involved capturing animals under the cover of darkness in deserted locations, butchering them in isolated areas, and then selling the meat at premium prices.
Furthermore, Dilshad admitted to using vehicles to transport slaughtered cattle across state lines, with Bihar being a primary destination for their illicit trade. This revelation highlights the inter-state dimensions of the smuggling operation and the challenges faced by law enforcement in curbing such activities.
Criminal History and Legal Proceedings
Investigations into Dilshad's background uncovered a lengthy criminal record related to cow slaughter and cattle smuggling. He has been arrested and jailed on multiple previous occasions for similar offenses. Currently, there are eight active cases registered against him, underscoring his repeated involvement in illegal activities despite prior encounters with the justice system.
Police officials have emphasized that the arrest and ongoing investigation are part of a broader crackdown on cattle smuggling and slaughter in the region. Efforts are being intensified to dismantle such networks and bring all perpetrators to justice, with a focus on preventing further incidents of animal cruelty and illegal trade.
