Nagpur: Notorious cattle smuggler gang led by Mohammad Vakil Qureshi was slapped with the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) by Nagpur police. The gang has been allegedly involved in repeated acts of animal cruelty and illegal slaughter since 2020.
Acting on a tip-off, a police team led by senior police inspector Sanjay Mendhe had raided Noorani Ground within the limits of Tehsil Police Station on May 18. The team had rescued 29 cattle that were tightly tied in cruel conditions without any fodder or water.
The accused include gang leader Mohammad Vakil Qureshi (52), Sheikh Chand Mohammad and Javed Qureshi (30) and others.
An FIR was registered under sections of the Maharashtra Animal Preservation (Amendment) Act, 1995 along with sections of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. On June 12, the additional CP (North Division) granted permission to add MCOCA sections against the gang members.
This action marks a significant step in curbing organized cattle smuggling and animal cruelty in the region. The police continue to investigate the gang's activities and network.
