In a significant crackdown on Republic Day, police and animal welfare authorities in Nagpur successfully dismantled an illegal bovine slaughter operation in Vilam village, located within Nagbhir taluka of Chandrapur district. The coordinated raid led to the rescue of 108 bovines, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat animal trafficking in the region.
Operation Details and Rescue Efforts
Acting on a credible tip-off, Animal Welfare Officer Ram Nandanwar, supported by local activists, conducted the raid that uncovered cattle illegally confined across multiple private agricultural fields. According to police reports, the animals were allegedly awaiting slaughter and were found tightly tied and kept at various locations to evade detection.
Modus Operandi of the Trafficking Racket
Nagbhid police officials revealed that the racket operated by dispersing smuggled bovines across private farms and cowsheds instead of using centralized holding points. Villagers were reportedly paid small sums to house the animals, provide fodder, and maintain them until further transportation. This method, as described by police, allowed traffickers to keep the bovines "hidden in plain sight" before moving them to Nagpur.
Specific Locations and Seizures
During the raid, authorities discovered:
- 20 bovines behind a Buddha Vihara
- 70 bovines in a field belonging to Homdev Namdev Parkhi
- 18 bovines in a field owned by Devidas Dadmal
The total value of the seized bovines is estimated at approximately Rs 5.8 lakh. Sources indicated that nearly 200 bovines had been moved out just a day earlier, suggesting the existence of a larger trafficking network operating between Brahmapuri and Nagpur.
Legal Actions and Ongoing Investigations
In his official complaint, Nandanwar named eight individuals, including Surya and Shabir Qureshi. Police confirmed that several accused are currently absconding, and a comprehensive search is underway to trace them and dismantle the entire racket. This operation underscores the challenges in curbing illegal animal slaughter and the collaborative efforts required between law enforcement and animal welfare groups.
The Republic Day raid not only rescued vulnerable animals but also exposed the sophisticated tactics used by traffickers to operate under the radar. Authorities are urging the public to report any suspicious activities to help prevent such illegal operations in the future.
