Car with cows for slaughter rams BRTS gate near Paldi, four booked, driver arrested

An alleged case of illegal cattle trafficking came to light late on Wednesday night after a car ferrying cows met with an accident near the Chandranagar BRTS corridor in the Paldi area. The Paldi police have registered a case against four persons and arrested the driver, while three other suspects are currently absconding.

According to the police, the incident occurred near Chandranagar bus stop on the BRTS route when a car, allegedly transporting cattle for illegal slaughter, met with an accident. The crash drew the attention of alert citizens and gau rakshaks (cow protection activists), who gathered at the spot and detained the driver before handing him over to the police.

During preliminary investigation, the driver was identified as Makbul Mansuri, who was subsequently arrested by the Paldi police. Further questioning revealed that three more persons Imran Sipai, Ajaz Kasai and Nasir Dagara were involved in the operation. Police said the trio was travelling in a pilot car ahead of the vehicle carrying the cattle and managed to flee after the accident.

Police officials said four cows were found crammed inside the car, allegedly being transported from the Dholka area. The animals were being moved without adequate arrangements for air, water or food, and in a manner that caused distress and injury, the police complaint stated. The cattle were allegedly being taken with the intent of illegal slaughter.

The injured animals were later shifted by cattle handlers for medical care, officials said.

A complaint in the matter was lodged by Aniket Shah, a resident of Vastral, following which the Paldi police registered an FIR against the accused under relevant sections related to illegal cattle transportation and animal cruelty.

Tension prevailed briefly at the accident site as gau rakshaks gathered in large numbers, alleging that the illegal transport of cattle to slaughterhouses continues unabated despite enforcement measures. Police personnel were deployed to maintain order and disperse the crowd.